The Sermon on the Mount (1) – Jesus Went Up the Mountain and Sat Down (Matthew 5:1–2)

 Matthew 5:1–2
"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."

At first, these verses may seem like a simple background story. But when we look closer, we see deep spiritual lessons. These verses teach us about our attitude in worship, in hearing God’s Word, and in living as His people. Let us think about three things today.
First, why did Jesus go up the mountain to teach?
Second, what was the attitude of those who listened to Jesus?
Third, how should we receive the Word of God in our lives?

First, why did Jesus go up the mountain?
Some may say it was just to see the crowds better. That may be true, but there is more. The mountain where Jesus gave this sermon was near the Sea of Galilee. Some scholars call it the “New Mount Sinai.” In the Old Testament, Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the law from God. But here, Jesus gives us the new covenant—the message of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus’ teaching is not just about good behavior or wise living. It shows us how the people of God's Kingdom should live. It is a holy way of life that reflects God’s heart. When Jesus sat on the mountain to teach, He was speaking with authority from heaven. It was a sign that He was revealing God’s will to His new people.

In the Bible, mountains are often places where people meet God. Moses met God on Mount Sinai. Elijah heard God’s quiet voice on Mount Horeb. Jesus also prayed many times on mountains. His transfiguration happened on a mountain, too. So, when Jesus went up the mountain, it showed that God’s presence was there. Those who listen to His voice can be changed.

Second, what was the attitude of the disciples?
The Bible says, “His disciples came to him.” This is very important. God’s Word is given to those who want to hear it. The crowd stayed far away, but the disciples came close. Dear friends, we are like those disciples today. We are here to listen to the voice of our Lord.

God’s Word is not just information. It is the Word of life. It renews our souls. So we must come to Jesus with humble and thirsty hearts. Only then can we receive His truth.

Many people today hear the Word, but few accept and obey it. In John 6, many people left Jesus because His words were hard to accept. But Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” That must be our confession, too. Listening to God’s Word is not just a choice—it is the way of life.

Third, how should we receive God’s Word?

First, with a humble heart.
The Pharisees heard Jesus’ words, but they were proud and rejected Him. But the poor and humble listened carefully. Jesus said, “Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of God.” Only the humble can understand the truth of heaven.

Second, we must meditate on the Word every day.
Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night.” God’s Word is like daily bread. Without it, our spirits become dry. Psalm 1 says that the person who loves and meditates on God’s Word is like a tree planted by streams of water. Their life will bear fruit and never dry up.

Third, we must live out the Word.
At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “The one who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Listening is not enough. We must obey and live what we hear. Only then will our faith be strong and our lives full of God’s power.

In conclusion,
Jesus went up the mountain to teach because He was proclaiming the new covenant of God’s Kingdom. The mountain reminds us to come close to God and listen to His voice.
We must come to Jesus like His disciples—with hearts that are humble and ready. And we must receive His Word every day, meditate on it, and live it out in our daily lives.

God’s Word is alive. It gives us life and strength. So let us open our hearts and listen to His voice today. Just as Jesus opened His mouth to speak on that mountain, He is still speaking to us now. May we bow before Him and walk in obedience to His Word.

Amen.