Over the years I have heard a few different takes (all good) on the first 12 verses of the SOTM, but the one that has always captured my imagination is the idea that this is an announcement, an announcement of a new kingdom, a new covenant, and a reason for hope. This is Jesus kicking things off with the core of his message. I like the fact that this announcement is not given with trumpets and fanfare, but with Jesus sitting down and talking in a relational way with the people he is drawn to and the crowd that is drawn to him (very much like the cool morning walks between Adam and God in the Genesis story).
Being controlled by the
The message the people receive is not at all what they expect, but nonetheless exciting to hear when you are meek, full of longing, and crying out for a better way. The people most likely don’t understand what Jesus is trying to tell them, but because Jesus speaks with such care and authority they know they want to be apart of this new kingdom.
The American dream is often to be like
Scott, Thanks for the post. I like the relational context you mentioned. The crowd likely listened intently for hours to Jesus preaching. How much did they understand? How did the meaning change as they learned more about Jesus and later after his death and resurrection? How often do we sit and listen intently to what he has to say to us through his Word or through prayer?
ReplyDeleteScott, your point about the American Dream is one to think about. What is the American Dream? freedom to live how I want, freedom to worship where I want, freedom to make money. The sermon at church this morning hit me hard. Moving around with my job we are always looking for a church home, which in itself is OK but I wonder if I haven't let some unbiblical values of the "American Dream" Because of the freedoms we enjoy we can go to any church we choose, but did I choose my church because it was a great place for me to worship the Lord or did I fall to the "American Dream" concept and go shopping for a church based on what it can do for me. We like praise services, but am I going to give praise or be entertained. Am I living Christ's teachings throughout the week, or just getting that warm feeling inside on Sunday. The American Dream... "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" is a great dream as long as we remember that life is living for God, liberty is having free will and choosing to worship the Lord, and the pursuit of happiness is really the pursuit of God for in God through Jesus is true happiness.
ReplyDeleteScott - I like the context you bring to these verses. Jesus wasn't bringing them together to battle like many could have thought. Instead, Jesus starts by saying want he did. This is what made Jesus so radical in his approach. His approach is so contrary to what was thought or what was wanted. It is my challenge to settle my wants and thoughts and try to see what God is going and partner with that. The Bible is covered with man doing what man thinks should be done which never ended up good.
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