The American Wisdom Series

This is pamphlet 5008

Did it ever occur to you
that you may have been deceived
about the "Sermon on the Mount"?

I don't know about you but I was always lead to believe
that when Jesus taught what is commonly called the "Sermon on the Mount"
there was a large multitude of people gathered around him.
Is that how you picture it?

Isn't it interesting that when we see Hollywood movies or pictures in a book
depicting Christ giving the Sermon on the Mount,
we see Him either standing before throngs of people
or walking through the crowds.

That is not the case.
He taught the Eight Beatitudes to his disciples only.

You say, "That's not true, John.
I've read the 5th chapter of Matthew many times.
Jesus was talking to a large gathering of people.
He was talking to the masses."

Don't be so sure.
Let's read Matthew 5:1 very slowly.

Matthew 5:1 "And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain:

and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him."

Yes, you read it right this time.
Jesus went up the mountain, to get away from the mass of people who were only following him to see miracles or get a free meal.

He knew his disciples,
who really hungered for his word,
would follow him.

Which are you?

Do you go to church on Sunday morning,
pass the pastor at the door on your way out,
and say, "Good sermon today, pastor."

Then, go home, not to think about the Lord again until next Sunday morning.

If so, you are one of the multitude
Jesus moved up the mountain to get away from.

The "Sermon on the Mount" is not "general instruction to the multitudes"
but rather "personal instruction to His disciples"
who follow Him and seek to hear His voice and obey His commands.

Be sure you are not one of the Christians
Jesus is talking to in Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven,

but he that doeth the will of my Father, who is in heaven.

                [22] Many will say to me at that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?

And in thy name cast out demons?
And in thy name done many wonderful works?

                [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you;

depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Do you think we are being deceived on purpose?

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