Re:Verse reading–Matthew 5:1-12 (day seven)
“He went up on the mountain. . .and sat down. . .began to teach them.”
What was it like to hear Jesus preach? Matthew remembers. More than any other writer, he took the trouble to record the words and include them in his gospel. (He was, after all, an accountant. Details mattered to him.)
It was SURPRISING. Unlike the Scribes and Pharisees. Different ideas. Deeper.
It was CONVICTING. He spoke from a position of strength. “He was teaching them as one who had authority.”—Matthew 7:29. He was not asking for their validation or even their support. No entertainment. He knew the truth and expected to be obeyed. He was commanding them. Calling them.
It was MIND-STRETCHING. A teacher more than a preacher. Information! Ideas! Thoughts were His gift and craft. “Repent”, He said, “change your mind!”
What was it like to hear Jesus preach? Read Matthew 5:1-12. We can talk about it this morning as we worship.
