Day 3 · Week 1
Passage: Matthew 5:1; John 6:66–69
Memory Verse: Matthew 7:24
Matthew 5:1 (KJV)
“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him.”
There were crowds around Jesus, but Matthew specifically tells us that His disciples came unto Him.
A disciple is more than someone who knows about a teacher. A disciple stays close enough to learn.
Later, when many people stopped following Jesus because His teaching became difficult, He asked the twelve disciples if they would leave too.
Peter answered:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” — John 6:68
That is the attitude of a disciple.
There will be parts of the Sermon on the Mount that are easy to agree with. Most people like the idea of mercy and peace.
But Jesus will also tell us to love our enemies, forgive people who hurt us, stop worrying, put God's kingdom ahead of possessions, and obey what He says instead of merely calling Him “Lord.”
At times, His words may challenge the way we naturally think.
The question then is not simply, “Do I like this teaching?”
The question is, “Do I trust the Teacher?”
Disciples come to Jesus because they believe His words lead to life.
What is the difference between knowing something about Jesus and being one of His disciples?
When Jesus teaches something difficult, am I willing to stay close and keep listening?
Ask God to give your family the heart of disciples—willing to listen, learn, and follow Jesus.