The Jesus Manifesto

Matthew 5:1 “And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.  Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying……”

What was it that brought Jesus such acclaim from some and such rebuke from others?

When Jesus stood to preach His sermon on the mount, He delivered more than just good tidings or feel good stories—Jesus delivered a public declaration for His people. This magnificent manifesto had depth of insight and was received by the poor and lowly. The richness of Jesus’ revelation were reserved to the poor in spirt, the peacemakers, the meek and those in mourning–the pure in heart were the ones who would seek Him, and the persecuted would lay down their lives for His glory.

There are those who cannot receive the depth of Jesus’ revelation, they will be left skeptical and doubting, but for those who hear the voice of God on the mountain, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, theirs will be the Kingdom of God.

To all who would follow…

For all who hear Jesus’ call—they will be called blessed.

Matthew 5:3-5 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.”

What is it that typifies a follower of Christ?

Does a believer need to bring great wealth or incredible faith before Jesus will bless them? If so, how few would be chosen.

The greatest men and women of God are those who are poor in spirit, who tremble at His Word. They recognize they are destitute before Christ, their helplessness makes them vulnerable but also accepting. It is the position of lowliness that makes the meek mighty, it is the strength of the Lord radiating through their lives that causes others to see Christ in them.

The lowly know they have nothing by which to bring before the King, and in their mourning He comforts them, and shows them His love.

The meek carry an attitude or quality of heart whereby a person is willing to accept and submit without resistance to the will and desire of God. God’s strength becomes their strength, He leads them as they submit to His authority. The meek find themselves in God’s will and in so doing will inherit the earth.

To all who would obey….

Recognizing the greatness of God is to be obedient to His call. Jesus made it clear that His people would love Him through obedience.

Matthew 5:6-8 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.”

The righteousness of God has been established by Jesus’ perfection. To those who love Him, they too desire His perfect qualities as well. This perfection could not be attained through the Law of God, for it was impossible to achieve through self will. For those who hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness, the water Jesus gives has filled them. When the repentant come to Christ, they desire Him only, His sacrifice has satisfied the requirements of the law and they rejoice. For those who walk according to God’s law, they demonstrate love, not duty.

The same mercy that God showed His people, is the same mercy Jesus’ followers show others. The attributes of Christ fill the cups of those who look to Him as their source. Kingdom people bring a richness and blessing to the earth like no other.

Purity was a sign of holiness, it became representative of the sacrifice in the Temple. Jesus’ pure sacrifice for His people became the symbol of God’s redemption. The pure in heart have set themselves apart for service in God’s Kingdom, as a living sacrifice unto Christ. Their sacrifice of love becomes a fragrant aroma that ascends into the throne room of the King. Once a person experiences the pleasure of God in sacrifice, they’ll recognize that nothing else can compare. This sweet communion between the Savior and His people is the closest they can get to Heaven on earth right now.

To all who would give….

What can those who came with nothing, give to the King?

Matthew 5:9-10 “Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The same Peace that Jesus brought to His people, is the same peace they reveal to others. There is nothing God’s people possess that Jesus did not give them first, there is nothing God’s people possess that they should keep to themselves. The message of the gospel doesn’t always bring peace, but rather discord and anger. The peace of the gospel is presented to those who would receive it, a peace made possible between God and man, through Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice. One day the world will witness the fullness of this peace and all they rejected.

When God leads His people, persecution should be expected. The world hated Jesus, it will therefore hate His people. When the saints of God follow Him in righteousness, the world will having nothing by which to accuse. The tragedy of the loss of life through persecution is only a brief interlude to God’s redeeming glory.

Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

For those who partake in the Kingdom of God, they will be found in good company. Many have gone before in faithfulness, and many have continued a legacy of revealing God’s love. These saints all share in what it means to be citizens of a Kingdom that is not of this world, with a King who is worthy of all glory, honor, and power.

To Christ be the glory.