His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying: Matthew 5:2

Yesterday I talked about how Jesus’ followers must have been on the edge of their seats, straining and yearning to hear the Master.

Jesus now begins to teach his disciples and those who have gathered on the mountainside. He taught them on what we now call the Sermon on the Mount. then and at least one other time (Luke 6:20). This was Jesus’ bread and butter sermon, as it were. It’s one of the most popular passages in the New Testament. More than likely he preached it frequently. And with good reason.

Why? Because in its simplicity there is great wisdom. It is concise and forceful. It is down to earth. It’s where people are. It’s spiritual food that nourishes the soul.

And when we read the three chapters, it is as fresh as it was for his disciples. We read it over and over again and can still glean wisdom and understanding. It is powerful and is meant to be read over and over again.