Preparing the Ground: The Path to the Sermon on the Mount
The Kingdom of GOD • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 55:09
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· 51 viewsIn this series, we are looking at what it means to be citizens in the Kingdom of GOD. We take a look at how we should live and how we partner with the FATHER in HIS reign. This week we work our way along the path to the Sermon on the Mount, as we see how JESUS prepared HIMSELF and others for HIS teachings.
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Announce text: Matthew 4:17-5:2
Greeting
Well, we’re going to pick back up in our series on the Kingdom of GOD. Normally, I would do a review up front, but we’re going to close the main body of the message by watching a BibleProject video. It will serve as both a review of what we’ve been covering in this series, as well as provide an introduction into next week’s message.
So, this morning, we’ll jump right in.
Announce text again: Matthew 4:17-5:2
Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
17 From that time on Jesus began to make his proclamation.
“Repent!” he would say. “The kingdom of heaven is arriving!”
18 As Jesus was walking beside the sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon (also called Peter) and Andrew his brother. They were fishermen, and were casting nets into the sea.
19 “Follow me!” said Jesus. “I’ll make you fish for people!”
20 Straight away they abandoned their nets and followed him.
21 He went on further, and saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother. They were in the boat, mending their nets, with Zebedee their father. He called them. 22 At once they left the boat, and their father, and followed him.
23 He went on through the whole of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, healing every disease and every illness among the people.
24 Word about him went out around the whole of Syria. They brought to him all the people tormented with various kinds of diseases and ailments, demon-possessed people, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, Judaea and beyond the Jordan.
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the hillside, and sat down. His disciples came to him. 2 He took a deep breath, and began his teaching:
Prayer for added blessing to the reading of the Word
Message
Message
Introduction
Introduction
Several centuries ago, a Japanese emperor commissioned an artist to paint a bird. A number of months passed, then several years, and still no painting was brought to the palace. Finally the emperor became so exasperated that he went to the artist's home to demand an explanation. Instead of making excuses, the artist placed a blank canvas on the easel. In less than an hour, he completed a painting that was to become a brilliant masterpiece. When the emperor asked the reason for the delay, the artist showed him armloads of drawings of feathers, wings, heads, and feet. Then he explained that all of this research and study had been necessary before he could complete the painting.
Our Daily Bread.
In the lead-up to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus began His ministry by proclaiming repentance and drawing disciples. This foundational period set the stage for His profound teachings. JESUS’ ministry involved intentional steps of readiness and relational investment with HIS disciples and emphasizes the importance of cultivating a heart receptive to GOD’s message before sharing it with others.
Body
Body
This morning, we’re going to look at three steps of preparation JESUS took on the path to the SOTM.
1. Proclamation of Preparation
Matthew 4:17-22
This passage shows Jesus starting His ministry by calling for a change of heart and mind, challenging His audience and disciples to be ready for a new way of living. We’re really picking up from where we left off in the last message in this series. So, this is really kind of a review, but JESUS begins His ministry with the call to 'repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
The Greek word for preach, kēryssō, carries a different type of meaning than what we typically think of. It is often used as an official pronouncement of sovereigns like declarations of state visits or changes in taxation. This reinforces that JESUS is making a royal announcement: the KINGdom of heaven is arriving!
This was the message John the Baptist had been proclaiming, as he was preparing the way for the LAMB of GOD to come. John had just been arrested and placed in prison for the last time. He would never be set free and would die in prison. As stated previously, this transition was a fulfillment of John’s prophetic desire.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.
Back to v. 17. Here, repentance not only indicates a change of behavior but a transformation of the heart and mind toward GOD's values. Remember, the word repent means to change the way we think. Scripture states in ...
7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
But there’s a problem with this - not the truth of that statement - but the reality of the fallen state in which we live.
9 “The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it?
JESUS expands on this verse in ...
18 “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.
This brings to mind the old adage, “Garbage in, garbage out.” So, the key is to change the way we think, as in ...
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
When we meditate on HIS Word, it has the power with HOLY SPIRIT to not just change behavior but produce real-life transformation. You see this isn’t about activity, it’s about revelation through relationship with JESUS. It is the work of HOLY SPIRIT producing in us, what we can never do through any amount of activity and self-will, though good intentioned.
No, we are new creations in CHRIST.
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
5 he saved us, not by works that we did in righteousness, but in accordance with his own mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewal of the holy spirit,
Moving on in our text, we read ...
18 Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
19 And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
JESUS' immediate call to Simon Peter and Andrew demonstrates the power of invitation and the urgency for readiness. JESUS' calling of the first disciples exemplifies responsive obedience. This is not a simple decision. This isn't something they would have done on a whim. One commentary I read stated they likely had heard of JESUS, so perhaps they knew of HIM, but this was still nothing to be taken lightly. Their vocation was a family business, which meant keeping money in the family brought economic and social security. This wasn't just a simple change of profession - it was a change in identity; it was leaving family (and the family business) behind. It is a radical commitment to the uncompromising demands of the call of JESUS.
We see the same story repeated in vv. 21-22 with two more fishermen, James and John. JESUS calls, they immediately follow. Their openness to YHWH’s calling was fueled by a need for spiritual growth and was the very foundation for transformation that JESUS built upon.
21 Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them.
22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
These encounters demonstrate that entry into GOD's Kingdom begins with a personal, transformative decision.
This sets the stage for the radical, heart-centered righteousness outlined in the Sermon on the Mount.
2. Preparation through Action
Matthew 4:23-25
23 He went on through the whole of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, healing every disease and every illness among the people.
Not only does JESUS call more disciples, but HE demonstrates Kingdom power and compassion through healing and miracles. This reveals HIS authority and the tangible expression of GOD's Kingdom breaking into the world. JESUS models the Kingdom righteousness HE teaches, suggesting that the Sermon on the Mount is not mere theory but lived reality.
24 The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them.
Note the mention of Syria in the text. Syria was a Roman province located to the north and east of Israel and Galilee. This province was a large and influential region mentioned by Matthew to show just how far and how quickly news of JESUS and HIS reputation had spread. And what was the news that was traveling so fast?
The good news that the Kingdom has arrived through JESUS’ ministry. It is a sign that sickness and oppression associated with the exile have come to an end. N.T. Wright asserts that JESUS saw these mighty works “as part of the inauguration of the sovereign and healing rule of Israel’s covenant GOD.”
As believers, we, too are invited to emulate JESUS’ holistic ministry of teaching and compassion, aligning our lives with HIS divine mission. Again, this isn’t about our own activity. We don’t produce this. It comes from a position of rest with the JESUS.
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
As we spend time resting in HIS Presence, we will know HIM, HIS Voice, HIS Words, HIS Daily Will for our lives. By living in the abiding Presence of our LORD, we will be better positioned to hear and respond to HIS Voice. As we respond moment by moment, the intricate details of daily living also fulfill HIS Greater Will for us all - that of the Great Commission.
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
We have an invitation of assurance that HOLY SPIRIT will empower us to expand on JESUS’ ministry in this calling.
8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
12 Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in me, the works that I am doing he will do also, and he will do greater works than these because I am going to the Father.
We will be the conduit for HOLY SPIRIT’s work to manifest the Kingdom of GOD on earth in accordance with HIS Word.
17 “These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Back in our text in v. 25,
JESUS' teaching, preaching, and healing summarized His early preparation work for the Sermon on the Mount. HE didn’t just announce and proclaim the Kingdom of GOD had arrived, HE demonstrated it by HIS actions, and even HIS actions weren’t of HIS Own doing.
19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.
10 “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.
Even JESUS listened and obeyed the Will of the FATHER.
30 “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
The result of obedience to the FATHER’s Will - of seeing the FATHER at work and joining HIM there, of hearing the FATHER’s Voice and immediately speaking - is that crowds rushed to be in HIS Presence and never wanted to leave.
25 Large crowds followed him from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, Judaea and beyond the Jordan.
The use of the word large can literally represent thousands, and we know this to be true in stories where JESUS feeds the crowds, right?
This passage illustrates how JESUS actively engaged with the community by addressing their physical and spiritual needs, demonstrating GOD's kingdom in action. JESUS' ministry was the LIGHT in the darkness that drew gathering crowds and underscores for us the importance of being a witness to GOD's Power and Love.
As believers, we need to prepare our hearts to serve and minister to others as JESUS did, showing that meaningful service often precedes effective teaching. From this position, we can live like JESUS in only doing and saying what the FATHER is revealing through HOLY SPIRIT to allow HIM the space to do HIS Works through us.
17 “These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits.
8 “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The essence of Christian service lies not in specific acts, but in the right condition of the heart, motivated by gratitude for GOD's Mercy and Love.
3. Preparation in Solitude
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the hillside, and sat down. His disciples came to him. 2 He took a deep breath, and began his teaching:
Earlier in the Lenten season, we looked at JESUS’ example of seeking solitude in prayer. Perhaps now, would be a good time for review.
Our context there was JESUS in the garden with HIS Disciples imploring them to pray. There HE led them away to the garden, and then in turn, left them to be by HIMSELF to pray alone.
41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray,
JESUS set an example for HIS Disciples and for us that we need to make prayer a priority in our life, and when have our times of personal prayer, we need to seek solitude. Seeking solitude, frees us from distraction and enables us to more clearly hear the “still, small voice”. Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of prayer is listening, and that might be the most important element of prayer. How are we going to know the LORD’s Will on a matter - or an answer to a question we ask - if we don’t actually take time to listen?
So, not only is it good to seek solitude in personal times of prayer, but solitude is also significant for focused teaching preparation.
Shawna and Todd just went through months of training at IM in preparation for something the FATHER has planned for them. Perhaps sometime soon, we will get to hear about that, but they were in an isolated training environment - a small classroom setting - where they could focus on what HOLY SPIRIT was revealing through the instruction they received. Could you imagine if they tried setting up this learning environment on the streets, sidewalks, or parking lots downtown? Ok … maybe you could get away with it in Libby … how about Kalispell? Spokane? Detroit? No, not Detroit! That’s a bridge too far … But you see my point. A place of solitude is conducive to focused learning. Meanwhile … back in our text ...
In our text here in Matthew 5, we see that JESUS intentionally sets the stage for the Sermon on the Mount by withdrawing to a mountainside with His disciples. JESUS sought intimate moments with HIS followers to impart life-changing truths. Sometimes, they had to escape the crowds by boat.
9 And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him;
The crowds were so pressing into JESUS with desperate needs to be healed, delivered, and set free, that HE needed to climb into a boat and push away from the shore to create some distance. So, this act of getting away was necessary to keep from being overwhelmed by ministry.
At times, that wasn’t enough of a deterrent for the crowds, again revealing their desperate state of need.
13 Now when Jesus heard it, he withdrew from there in a boat to an isolated place by himself. And when the crowds heard it, they followed him by land from the towns.
Still, it was necessary. Times of rest and refreshing are essential to prepare for ministry - both at the inception of ministry and in continued service.
31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.
It is imperative that we seek intentional times of communion with GOD and deeper scriptural understanding as preparation for sharing the gospel. This moment shows that preparation isn't just activity but involves retreat and teaching with purpose.
In v.1 of the NASB, it is worded this way ...
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.
“He went up on the mountain …” Uh-huh. How many have made the trek to Leigh Lake? Yaaaah … nothing like hitting the trail head at a 45 degree angle, am I right? Now, I don’t think Israel has any mountains like we do around here, but could you imagine if we had to climb to Leigh Lake to have service? We’d probably lose greater than 50% in the parking lot. We’d lose another 50% of what’s left when they got sight of the trail at the trail head. We’d probably have less people than JESUS had disciples by the time we reached the top!
act out conclusion of ascent, IF I made it, it would probably be like ...
I learned something new about the second part of that verse. The phrase, “after HE sat down, HIS disciples came to HIM,” I discovered, was the customary position of a teaching environment for Rabbis and their students in JESUS day. The Rabbi would sit while giving instruction and his students would stand. I like that! In fact, beginning next week, I’m going to ask all of you to stand while I sit for the duration of the sermon! And, you know, this shouldn’t be a problem for you because my sermons are so short!
Moving onto v. 2, I love the way N.T. Wright translates this verse, and honestly … this alone was enough for me to choose this translation this morning and perhaps, for the remainder of the SOTM series ...
2 He took a deep breath, and began his teaching:
Man, I love that!
May we breathe in deep … the life-giving breath of the FATHER through HOLY SPIRIT ... and release that breath back to HIM in service for the KINGdom! May we release only what is born of HIS SPIRIT and not our natural mind!
So, pj … What’s the point?
Conclusion
Conclusion
The theme of this message is to illustrate that JESUS is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises, the true Teacher who offers an authority that transcends the law, preparing HIS followers for a new covenant life. It is this preparation in faith that leads to transformation. JESUS exemplifies the process through HIS early ministry and the calling of HIS disciples, preparing both HIMSELF and them for the radical teachings to come.
Understanding how JESUS prepared for His teachings can encourage us as HIS followers to seek spiritual growth and readiness in our own lives. It is a good reminder that preparation is key to effective ministry and personal transformation.
Closing prayer & benediction
play BibleProject YT video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtKb7CJDUZc&t=60s
24 The Lord bless you, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.’
Scripture records the following words in v.27:
27 “So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.”
So, receive and go with the blessings of YAHWEH!
