April 17, 2018
Matthew 5:1-3
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

New International Version (NIV)
                 Are you an extrovert or an introvert?  Most of us either get more energy from crowds or from solitude.  We all find ourselves somewhere on the continuum of loving being alone and loving being in the big group.  Someone has coined the term ambivert to describe those who balance time with others and time alone.

                Jesus alternated his time between being alone, being with twelve disciples, and being in a big crowd.  When he saw the crowds he went up on a mountain and sat down teaching his disciples.  I remember going to the Mount of Beatitudes years ago and imagining Jesus surrounded by a small group while the larger audience of the crowd listened from a distance.

               What did Jesus have to say to his disciples or learners?  He started with the Kingdom of heaven.    The first beatitude offers the Gods kingdom to those who are poor in spirit.  The last beatitude says the kingdom belongs to those who are persecuted because of righteousness. 

                How can Jesus say that some already possess the kingdom of heaven?  Clearly our King’s kingdom was never just pie in the sky in the sweet bye and bye.  Wherever Jesus reigns without rival, his kingdom has already come.  Even and especially the poor in spirit and the ones persecuted for righteousness already know the king and his kingdom is already theirs. 

                The beatitudes are counterintuitive.  Ones who look forsaken are exalted in God’s sight.  Those who stand in their own conceited confidence are humbled.  Whether we are introverts or extroverts, being in the presence of the King of heaven helps us to find our place in his story.  The King who came and is coming again is among us now by his Spirit.  All bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Pray with me:
Father, you have made us uniquely and wonderfully.  We thank you that you knew exactly what you were doing when you made us.  Let us find ourselves today not just in the curious crowd but in the devoted disciples who are learning, always learning more about you.  Teach us how to live today under your righteous reign, whatever others may think.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.     
This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story.  With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
 
Joyfully, 
 
Duane 
About Duane Archives
Subscribe to our email list.