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Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount
This chapter is based on
Matthew 5
to 7.
Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words.
It was His work to reach the multitudes, in words of warning, en-
treaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift all who would come to
Him.
The Sermon on the Mount, though given especially to the disci-
ples, was spoken in the hearing of the multitude. After the ordination
of the apostles, Jesus went to the seaside. In the early morning peo-
ple had begun to assemble. “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, and Jesus
led the way back to the mountainside. Reaching a level space that
offered a pleasant gathering place, He seated Himself on the grass,
and the disciples and the multitude followed His example.
The disciples sat close beside Him, eager to understand the truths
they were to make known to all lands and all ages. They believed
that the kingdom was soon to be established.
A feeling of expectancy pervaded the multitude also. As the
people sat on the green hillside, their hearts were filled with thoughts
of future glory. Scribes and Pharisees looked forward to the day
when they should have dominion over the hated Romans and possess
the riches and splendor of the world’s great empire. Poor peasants
and fishermen hoped to hear that their wretched hovels, scanty food,
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and fear of want were to be exchanged for mansions and ease. They
hoped that Israel was soon to be honored before the nations as the
chosen of the Lord, and Jerusalem exalted as the head of a universal
kingdom.
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