Sermon on the Mount
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were silenced, and a feeling of fear crept over them. They looked
at each other doubtfully. Who of them would be saved if this man’s
teachings were true? Many were deeply convicted that this remarkable
teacher was actuated by the Spirit of God, and that the sentiments he
uttered were divine.
These lessons of instruction were particularly calculated to benefit
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the disciples, whose lives would be governed by the principles therein
taught. It was to be their work to impart the divine knowledge they
derived from Jesus, to the world. It was their task to spread the gospel
far and wide among the people of all lands, and it was very important
that all the lessons of Jesus should be plain to their minds, stamped
upon their memories, and incorporated in their lives. Every truth was
to be stored away in their minds and hearts for future use.
After Jesus had explained to the people what constituted true hap-
piness, and how it could be obtained, he more definitely pointed out
the duty of his disciples, as teachers chosen of God to lead others into
the path of righteousness and eternal life. He knew that they would
often suffer from disappointment and discouragement, that they would
meet with decided opposition, that they would be insulted, and their
testimony rejected. His penetrating eye looked down the coming years
of their ministry, and saw the sorrow and abuse that would attend their
efforts to lead men to salvation. Well he knew that the humble men
who listened so attentively to his words were to bear, in the fulfillment
of their mission, calumny, torture, imprisonment and death, and he
continues:—
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for
theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile
you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you
falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your
reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were
before you.” Jesus here shows them that at the very time when they are
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experiencing great suffering in his cause, they have reason to be glad,
and recognize that their afflictions are profitable to them, having an
influence to wean their affections from the world and concentrate them
upon Heaven. He taught them that their losses and disappointments
would result in actual gain, that the severe trials of their faith and pa-
tience should be cheerfully accepted, rather than dreaded and avoided.
These afflictions were God’s agents to refine and fit them for their