Climbing Companion
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. – Matthew 5:1-2 MSG
Today’s passage is where the Sermon on the Mount begins. It’s in this sermon that Jesus teaches his disciples what it’s like to live differently as a follower of Christ. This Christlike lifestyle is further described in the passage as it transitions into the Beatitudes, which, when lived out, display the Godly character of true believers and the blessings that will reward their obedience.
The first two verses caught my attention in a fresh new way today when I highlighted Christ’s actions and then read the passage in several translations.
- Jesus saw
- Jesus climbed
- Jesus sat
- Jesus taught
The actions of his followers also struck me with a deeper understanding of their involvement.
- those who apprenticed -learned, followed, were being taught
- the committed – bound or obligated
- climbing companions -someone you trust with your life, who enhances your climbing experience, and shares in the adventure
The Message version of the bible gave me a beautiful mental picture of this event. Jesus saw the teaching opportunity before Him and, with great intention, climbed the hill, away from the daily activities and distractions, to sit down and spend time with His disciples. He saw their need to learn what it would mean to be a committed follower and, with time and practice, a faithful climbing companion.
As Jesus was teaching, a great crowd gathered, and many others also learned of the many blessings in store for those who choose to be spiritually transformed by this radically new way of living. By modeling the need to get away from life’s distractions and intentionally find quiet time with God, Jesus helped them understand their need for daily sweet communion with God. By climbing the hill, He demonstrated that following Him is worth every effort required. By sitting and teaching, He let them know they were valuable and that His words would transform them, if they’d let them.
The disciples were how I would like to be. Eager to learn, committed, and willing to go wherever Jesus leads, because I know that every shared adventure with Christ enhances every detail of my life. I may not be able to climb and sit on that actual hill with Jesus, but I can choose to make a quiet time, away from distractions, sit at His feet, and hear Him speak through His word. In following His example, I know that I will be truly blessed.
