Standing on the top of Mount Beatitude, overlooking the beautiful Sea of Galilee, one can only imagine the crowds of people that must have gathered there for the historic Sermon on the Mount delivered by our Lord. Though there is no absolute proof this is where Jesus delivered His sermon found in Matthew 5-7, it is celebrated as the location most likely to have been His first pulpit.
The sermon followed His temptations and lays out many valuable truths regarding our expected behavior as children of God. This sermon also relates promises from God regarding our eternal reward. Those rewards are gifts, given freely to those who belong to Him.
For the most part, these expectations set out by Jesus are ordinary, everyday attitudes—being humble, showing concern, submissiveness, having a desire for knowledge of the Word, showing mercy, being pure in thought and actions, striving for peace, and enduring persecution. These are things we will encounter almost daily.
God’s gifts come about through obedience to Him. For instance, each day we can find opportunities to be kind, and to show mercy to those with whom we come in contact. Yet, how many people do we see that are truly unkind?
One of the mothers in our congregation tells her children regularly, “Just be kind.” She says people out in the world are not kind, and she wants her children to learn that lesson about the way they treat others.
I think a study of these few verses in Matthew 5 and a purposeful effort to put those things into practice could make a significant difference in our world. Showing mercy to someone who has hurt us would change us. Being humble instead of always wanting credit for something we have done would make us look very different in the eyes of our friends, family, and those with whom we come in contact. Having a pure heart would change the way we dress, act, and talk.
Jesus addresses the idea of gift giving in Matthew 7:7-11. Some of the people to whom He was speaking were judgmental in their dealings with others. They censored people who made requests of them, unlike the Father who gives to all. They did not treat their own children with disrespect when they asked for something, and they did what they could to provide it. If they, being evil, knew how to give gifts, how much more would God who is good give to His children?
God’s gifts come at a price; they cost Jesus His life. They will also cost effort on our part to live a life pleasing to Him. But think how great the rewards are: a home in heaven, complete peace, no pain or sorrow for eternity, the love and comfort of our Savior.
Jesus said, “come unto me, all ye that labor and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jesus gave an invitation more than 2,000 years ago. All we have to do is RSVP.
Sandra Oliver