Contrasting Kingdoms

In 2008 & 2018, I had the privilege of seeing the place scholars believe is where Jesus taught his famous Sermon on the Mount which includes the Beatitudes.

Contrasting Kingdoms

"And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him."

(Matthew 5:1)

I love the Beatitudes of Jesus that He preached in His famous Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I am very much anticipating the Lord doing a great work in your heart this week as we observe and study the first of the eight Beatitudes of Jesus. May you hear Jesus' words, humble yourself, and begin to follow Him. If you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, I pray that this study will deepen your relationship with Him.

First let us look at the context of the sermon: Jesus has just healed many, according to Matthew 4:23-25. Jesus was performing miracles, and the people came from all over Israel to see Him, be healed by Him, and hear the messages that He preached. At the end of His sermon in Matthew 7:28-29, the people were astonished, for He taught them with authority. Here is our primary text within its context: "And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven'" (Matthew 5:1-3).

In 2008 and 2018, I had the privilege of seeing the place scholars believe is where Jesus taught this sermon. Here is what I wrote in my journal:

"From the museum, we went to the Mount of Beatitudes, and this was one of the most spiritual times of the entire trip. We went to a church and read the Beatitudes from Matthew 5, and it was very moving.

"We then went into the garden shaded area and had some quiet time with the Lord overlooking the Sea. You could just envision how Jesus would have spoken to the multitudes of people who gathered to hear the greatest sermon ever preached. This was a special time, and I wish we had more time at this place."

Here is a picture of the church built in this area where Jesus preached this amazing sermon:

Matthew 5:1 tells us that Jesus sat down, and His disciples came to Him. The message was originally intended for the disciples, but the crowds were welcomed, and though He preached directly to the disciples, He also spoke to the multitudes. I hope you are able to go and see this beautiful site in Israel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. This is the place where our Lord preached His most famous sermon. Jesus revealed to His disciples then and us today that His kingdom was vastly different from the kingdoms of this world. Jesus shows us a better way. He said we must be poor in spirit and not haughty. More about this tomorrow!

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Podcast of the Week

Pastor, Farmer, D1 Football Player: My Friend, Dr. Marty Jacumin

I first met Marty around 1997 when I was teaching at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. Marty was a student at the time, and I asked him to be my teaching assistant and grader. He did a great job. Marty went on to pastor Bay Leaf Baptist Church, and now he works for the North American Mission Board as well and serves as an interim pastor in North Carolina... and he is also a farmer! Tune in for a fascinating life story and great practical tips about finishing strong in ministry and in your walk with Christ.

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