The Beatitudes Page 3
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Jesus and his disciples decided to leave the crowded as well as hostile towns of Capernaum and Bethsaida and seek a quiet place to spread the good news. The people of Capernaum had turned a deaf ear to the New Gospel, closing their eyes to Jesus' miracles and wonders, as well as denouncing his Messianic claims. His own relatives in Nazareth had been ashamed to identify themselves with his new and radical teachings, and neither he nor his followers were welcomed in the cities and towns. Nevertheless, despite strong opposition from the Elders and synagogue dignitaries, hundreds of men and women who were hungry for the truth were ready to welcome a change, and eager to hear the word of God. They sought Jesus wherever he went. They were tired of listening to the lengthy debates and dry and confusing expositions of the Scriptures, because here was a new figure who not only echoed the voice of the ancient Hebrew prophets, but who also spoke with the voice of God and uttered living words -- words that through-out the centuries were to influence the lives of millions of men and women and redeem them from the bondage of evil forces.
Jesus knew that the New Gospel had to be preached, no matter where, as the people were hungry and thirsty for the truth; and if it could not be preached in the synagogues it must be preached on the mountainsides, in a clear atmosphere far away from those who shunned it and cast their reproach upon it and refused to give up the lesser for the greater, the material for the spiritual.
So one early morn when the sun began to smile its warm beams pouring upon the earth, Jesus saw the multitude that had now followed him. He went up to a high place on the mountain and there he sat, surrounded by his disciples.
Jesus knew that the New Gospel had to be preached, no matter where, as the people were hungry and thirsty for the truth; and if it could not be preached in the synagogues it must be preached on the mountainsides, in a clear atmosphere far away from those who shunned it and cast their reproach upon it and refused to give up the lesser for the greater, the material for the spiritual.
So one early morn when the sun began to smile its warm beams pouring upon the earth, Jesus saw the multitude that had now followed him. He went up to a high place on the mountain and there he sat, surrounded by his disciples.