Pregnant Words: Day 5 of Matthew

Many words, much teaching, pregnant with such wisdom!! Enough books and commentaries to fill my house three times over have been written on chapters 5-7 of Matthew...also known as the Sermon on the Mount. This beautiful sermon spoken by the mouth of Jesus Himself contains wisdom for much of life. I sure we could study it for months and not scratch the surface of it's depth.

I have been meditating on these three chapters these last few days, I hope you have too!

I want to pause long enough to write this post of highlight. Just a few notes about this Sermon for us to ponder...

First, of the seven mountains found in the book of Matthew, we climb the first one right here in Matthew 5:1. "Now when He saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down."

This is how the rabbis and teachers of the law often taught during this time...sitting down. Jesus climbed far enough up the mountain to make Himself heard by the crowds, or maybe to be seen by the crowds, or even to make room for the crowds. I love how intentional He was about His teaching. He had something to say and wanted to be sure they caught it.

I thought of this just this morning as I prepared to teach my boys. Be intentional. Set things up for the best of their learning. Sit with them. I have noticed my boys learn best like Jesus' crowds did...with their teacher sitting with them in loving fellowship. Oh how I seek to be like the Teacher in guiding my own little sheep to their Shepherd!

Secondly, we see at the end of chapter 7 that Jesus taught with authority. Authority is from the Greek word meaning not just the authority to do something, but the ability and power to do it. Jesus taught as one who can DO IT! He is ABLE! Regardless of our need, weakness and failure, Jesus has authority! He has no need, weakness or failure. He taught with power and the ability to fill the holes within the hearts of every individual in His crowd. He still teaches with the same authority when you and I go to His word with teachable hearts.

Lord, fill us where we are weak and be powerful where we are needy. Teach me today through Your Word with authority!

As we meet Him on that mountainside today and seek His wisdom for life, let's hear Him teach and pour forth with authority and healing. He is so worthy!