Sermons that shape us: The blessing of a godly attitude. (Pt.1)

(Matthew 5:1-12)

Part 1 

 

“One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.”-Matthew 5:1-2

 

As I read this passage, I was reminded of the message I preached a few weeks ago about leaving the nets. How there were many that crowded around Jesus, but only a few that left their nets to follow Him. Those He called disciples. As I read this I noticed how the crowd gathered around each other, while His disciples gathered around Him. 

 

This section of scripture (Matthew 5-7) may be the most famous of all of Jesus’ sermons. When we talk about things that people have said, we often talk about people’s famous last words.

 

The Book of Matthew 28:18-20 ends with these famous last words of Jesus to His disciples:

 

 “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”-Matthew 28:18-20

 

 We all know this as the Great Commission. It is a directive from Jesus about what we are to accomplish as far as His mission to seek and save the lost. 

 

How often, however, are people known for their famous first words? In Luke 4, in his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus stood up in the synagogue and read an excerpt from the book of Isaiah. However, it is here in Matthew that we read Jesus’ first extensive teaching. It was his inaugural address. 

 

What I find interesting is that His teaching in Matthew 28 focuses on our mission, but His inaugural address in Matthew 5-7 focuses on our character. Character always proceeds commissioning. Jesus didn’t start off instructing His disciples in their mission. He began by addressing their character. Because, if your character isn’t sound enough to carry the call of God on your life, then it will collapse. 

 

When Jesus’ sat to teach, he wasn’t just trying to simply sharpen the disciples intellect. He was determined to shape their souls-their character. That is why we are calling this series: Sermons That Shape Us. We want to allow what Jesus taught the early disciples to shape us too. 

 

 

Scott Burr