And Jesus Sat Down

Today's reading contains the great "Sermon on the Mount". Here, Jesus ministered to a multitude of people in need. We find in the final verses of Matthew chapter 4 just who made up this massive audience. We might be surprised to find it was not made up of people of great stature or the wealthiest dignitaries of His day. It was not made up of the religious leaders or people of public importance. No, this crowd was very special. Matthew 4:24 describes the crowd listening to Jesus bring this great sermon. This crowd included those who were sick of all kinds of diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed. Doesn't quite sound like the most note-worthy crowd to be speaking to. Yet, this is the crowd God chose to hear one of the most powerful sermons to ever be presented. This morning, I noticed something very special about the way in which Jesus presented His message. Matthew 5:1 says, "Now when He saw the crowds, he went up on the mountainside and sat down." Jesus delivered the greatest message of all time sitting down. I wander.. did he chose this method of presentation in order to be "approachable" to his listening audience? Did he choose to humble himself to their level in order to make eye contact and not seem to be speaking down to them? Jesus could have delivered His message with extreme authority and power. Yet, He chose to sit with them...speak to them...and be with them. No wonder the crowds were drawn to this amazing teacher...the precious son of God. Who has God placed at your feet to minister to today? Will you choose to follow after Christ's example of being humble and approachable to "even the least of them"?