Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount
This chapter is based on
Matthew 5
;
Matthew 6
;
Matthew 7
.
Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words.
He did not choose for His audience those only who knew the way of
life. It was His work to reach the multitudes who were in ignorance
and error. He gave His lessons of truth where they could reach the
darkened understanding. He Himself was the Truth, standing with
girded loins and hands ever outstretched to bless, and in words of
warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift all who would
come unto Him.
The Sermon on the Mount, though given especially to the disciples,
was spoken in the hearing of the multitude. After the ordination of
the apostles, Jesus went with them to the seaside. Here in the early
morning the people had begun to assemble. Besides the usual crowds
from the Galilean towns, there were people from Judea, and even from
Jerusalem itself; from Perea, from Decapolis, from Idumea, away to
the south of Judea; and from Tyre and Sidon, the Phoenician cities
on the shore of the Mediterranean. “When they had heard what great
things He did,” they “came to hear Him, and to be healed of their
diseases: ... there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all.”
Mark
3:8
;
Luke 6:17-19
.
The narrow beach did not afford even standing room within reach
of His voice for all who desired to hear Him, and Jesus led the way back
to the mountainside. Reaching a level space that offered a pleasant
gathering place for the vast assembly, He seated Himself on the grass,
and the disciples and the multitude followed His example.
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The disciples’ place was always next to Jesus. The people con-
stantly pressed upon Him, yet the disciples understood that they were
not to be crowded away from His presence. They sat close beside Him,
that they might not lose a word of His instruction. They were attentive
listeners, eager to understand the truths they were to make known to
all lands and all ages.
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