SERMON ON THE MOUNT - JESUS' OTHER TEACHINGS

       

  Jesus did not come to DESTROY THE LAW OF MOSES or the prophets teachings. He                          wanted to fulfill God's blessings. We want to learn to LIVE as Jesus would want us to LIVE, and to be a WITNESS to others,  OBEDIENT to the NEW COMMANDMENTS. 

1. YOU ARE SALT AND LIGHT

"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves and BE AT PEACE WITH EACH OTHER." Mark 9:50 (NIV)

The "SALT" in our life helps us live as Jesus lived.  When we have "season" in our lives, we can live as Jesus lived, a "peaceful life". 

"Let the PEACE OF CHRIST rule in your hearts, since as members of ONE BODY you were CALLED TO PEACE. And be thakful." Colossians 3:15

"Have you ever seen a lighthouse up close? Today is Bible Translation Day. ILLUMINATIONS is one of the gloobal movements that works with Translators to ensure people are getting the Word of God out to so many countries, in their own native language, making it accessible to everyone - one light, one heart, one language. " Sadie Robertson Huff

            "All nations will come to the light; all nations will come to see His radiance."                   Isaiah 60:3 (NLT)

With GOD'S LIGHT we are all blind and hopeless, but as Jesus explained to His disciplines (and to us today) His people would receive the Holy Spirit, so to that we can shine His light to the whole world.

Like the disciples, we can be witnesses to the life of Jesus' "good deeds", so today they can still "glorify His Father", read His Word, and give their lives, in repentance, believing in His Son. 

"You are the LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden....In the same  way, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS, that they may see your GOOD DEEDS and GLORIFY YOUR FATHER in Heaven." Matthew 5:14&16 (NIV)

                                 2. ANGER,  MURDER, ADULTERY, DIVORCE.

Are you following and OBEY God's will, as you fulfill Jesus' commands. If you fall short to His temptations, you can demonstrate HIS LOVE and YOU CAN BELIEVE in Him. 

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "You shall not MURDER, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement." But I tell you that anyone who is ANGRY with a brother and sister will be subject to judgement."               Matthew 5:21&22a (NIV)

"In your ANGER do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are STILL ANGRY,  and do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:26&27 (NIV)

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and SLOW TO BECOME ANGRY." James 1:19 (NIV)

Anger has a lot of strong emotions. We all feel it from "time to time". It can lead to sin and temptation, unless we can calm ourselves with:

a) Deep breathing - get rid of  rage.

*b) Taking a walk - don't take revenge.

c) Praying.

When we get angry in different situations - we can either be weak, or we can "check our emotions" , and talk to God about them. Like Cain and Abel anger can be misdirercted, as it led to the murder of his brother Abel. Anger can clearly dominate and control our lives, and we will manipulate others, unless we follow God's Word. 

"You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth", but I don't stand up against an evil person. If someone slaps you on a cheek, turn the other cheek." Matthew 5:38-39 (NCV)

""PEACE I leave with you; my OWN PEACE I now give you and bequeth to you. Not as the world gives, but as I give unto you. Do not let your hearts be troubles, neither let them be afraid. (Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and not permit yourselves to be fearful  and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled)"        1 John 14:27 (AMPC)

"You have heard that it was said, "You must not be guilty of ADULTERY.....if anyone looks at a woman and wants to sin sexually with her in his mind , he has done that sin with a woman already." Matthew 5:27&28 (NCV)

 

Both men and women have sexual needs, and a husband and wife are called to meet these needs.  They need to have mutual respect!  They say that adultery happens when:

a) There is a problem in a relationship.

b) If sex is deprived.

c) You become attracted to another person.

d) You become emotional and vulnerable, struggling in your marriage. 

e) Physical touch, hugs etc. that move into something else. 

"Marriage is intended to be a place of blessing. This means a life of faithfulness." Nicky Gumbel

"For no word from God will ever fail." Luke 1:37 (NIV)

"Anyone who divorces His wife must give her a written divorce paper.....                        don't break  your promises, but keep the promises you make to the Lord."                              Matthew 5: 31&33 (NCV)

Jesus' teaches about using divorce as an easy way out, to cover for SELFISHNESS AND WHIM." (MSG) Help us Lord too bless our spouses, and to take one step at a time, to pray for guidance when it comes to making decisions in our marriages. 

"Divorce, anger and adultery are unthinkable, except when one of the partners has broken the BOND OF LOVE AND MARRIAGE." David and Pat Alexander

If you are having problems in your marriage there are 10 Biblical principles to apply before you make a decision to DIVORCE:

a) Make JESUS NO 1 in YOUR MARRIAGE.

b) Attend CHURH AS A COUPLE!

c) Learn to LOVE and RESPECT each other - 

d) Make sure your WORDS are KIND AND CONSIDERATE  - 

e) PRAY DAILY for each other!

f) Focus on meeting EACH OTHER'S NEEDS.

g) Never try to "pay back evil for evil" - 

h) Learn to BE PATIENT - 

g) Make the LORD NO 1 in your FINANCES.

h) Remember your MARRIAGE IS A COVENANT with the LORD!

"Relationship skills are the most important skills to acquire and develop. A deficiancy of truth is often the root of all relational problems. God's Word provide the tools needed to build healthy relationships. GOOD IS THE NICEST PERSON YOU'LL EVER MEET!" Chip Judd

"You wives must submit to your husbands as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. You husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly." Colossians 3:18&19  (NCV)

3. LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

"You have heard that it was  said, "Love your neighbour and hate your enemy". But                 I tell you: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."                    Matthew 5:43&44 (NIV)

"Be PERFECT as your Heavenly Father is PERFECT." Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

LOVE and MERCY is at the heart of Jesus' teaching. Love is essential for MERCY and FORGIVENESS. There are 3 points that Jesus gives us to remind us about LOVE!

a) "IMITATE" Jesus and His Father: the "mirror" of Jesus' LOVE, which will break the "CYCLE OF HATRED." 

b) Have LOVE ANF MERCY for our ENEMIES. This is what "kingdom people" are like. 

c) We are not just  KIND to those who "AGREE" with us, but we need to have compassion with even those who don't deserve it. 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind"; and "Love your neighbour as yourself."                          Luke 10:27 (NIV)

"Love is the theme of God's heart: LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS and LOVE YOURSELF. When we learn to love God, we are empowered to love others and ourselves. God created us to live FROM LOVE not FOR LOVE. We can only love when we learn to receive God's love. There's a big difference between NEEDS AND WANTS. We can develop healthy LOVE boundaries when our needs are met." Chip Judd

The Bible says: "Love your neighbour as yourself". Start examining youyr walk, talk , thought and attitude life - how you treat people. 

We can SHOW LOVE by simply giving ourselves over to the LITTLE OPPORTUNITIES that arise; not only in the Church, but in our HOMES AND COMMUNITIES. Some people find this difficult because they haven't BEEN LOVED themselves. LOVE WITH GOD'S LOVE by first receiving the reality that HE LOVES YOU.

"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF. I AM THE LORD." Leviticus 19:20 (NLT)

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW KING JAMES VERSION", 2011, Biblica

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION", 2015, Tyndale Hous Publishers

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW CENTURY VERSION", 2005, Thomas Nelson

"AMPLIFIED BIBLE - CLASSIC EDITION", 1987, Lockman Foundation

"Let Your Light Shine", 2005, Andrw Clarke Wallis (Songwriter), Hillsong Kids (Performers), Hillsong Music Publishing Australia/Musixmax

"Love Your Neighbour - Torah Songs - Leviticus 19",  (2025), Austin B Bixby (Songwriter & Performer), Lit Records, Lamp & Light Publishers

"Calm Down with Prayer - Anger Deliverance - Listen & Agree as I Pray for You" (2021) DailyEffectivePrayer, You Tube

"Prayer for Forgiveness and Adultery", 2020, www@dailyholyprayers.com,              You Tube 

"Prayer for Marriage Restoration", 2015, DailyEffectivePrayer, You Tube

Alexander, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible - 4th Edition", 2009, LionHudon Publishers

Huff, Sadie Robertson, "A Light for All Nations", 2025, IllumiNations 

Gumbel, Nicky, "Follow Jesus' Directions For Your Life - The Jesus Lifestyle", 2025, Alph/You Version

Judd, Chip, "Healthy Relationships", 2019, Message International

SERMON ON THE MOUNT - Part 1: Beatitudes

                      "One day as He saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up to the                                                     and sat down. His disciples gathered around Him                                                                 and He began to TEACthe "SERMON ON THE MOUNT".                                                                                           Matthew 5:1&2

We often do a lot of TALKING, but do we do take time to LISTEN? Jesus' disciples had a wonderful relationship with Jesus, because they loved hear his VOICE. They sat down with Him in the midst of "noises and distractions" to LISTEN TO HIS TEACHINGS.

As I child, what I loved to do most was to spend time with my Dad, listening to his stories - both from his life and from the Bible. As we read the Bible and prayed together, I discovered that God would sometimes speak to me too, often silently or through the Spirit and other speakers, even Jesus Himself. 

These first teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, were what we know of as the Sermon on the Mount - the Beautitudes. It begins with the BLESSINGS from His Father, filling us with JOY, HAPPINESS, and "SPIRITUAL FAVOUR".

"Matthew gathers together the teachings of Jesus. Sitting on a HILLSIDE with his FOLLOWERS around Him, Jesus tells His DISCIPLES how they are meant to live. Their goal is GOD'S GOODNESS which shows no bounds." Pat & David Alexander

Jesus "Sermon on the Mount" in Luke's Gospel is shorter, but the TRUTHS are the SAME! Our hardships will turn out to be BLESSINGS, and our "REWARDS will come from HEAVEN."

"A large crowd of His disciples were there and a great number of people from all over Judea, and from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to HEAR HIM and to be healed from their diseases."                                                                                                                       Luke 6:17b-18a (NIV)

                                       1. BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN SPIRIT                                                                    for theirs is the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN                                                                                        (Matthew 5:3 : NIV)

           

The word 'POOR" is another word for 'HUMILITY". There are times when we feel we can not continue on our own, but we can only "depend on God". We need to reach out and TRUST IN HIM for "suppport". We may "acknowledge our need for Jesus", and we need to spend time with Him. 

There are times I have felt very spiritually poor, and insignificant in God's eyes, but then I kneel down before Him and He lifts me up. When I place myself in His arms and trust only in Him. This is when I know I am LOVED AND BLESSED. 

"Take his hand and He will lead you. Spend time with Him each day and you will have the PURPOSE, PROVISION and PROTECTION, peace, love and contentment. When we come to Jesus we are fed and blessed."  Tim Gardiner

"BLESSED (spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired) are the POOR IN SPIRIT (thos devoid of spiritual arerogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant), for theirs is the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (both now and forever).         Matthew 5:3/Luke 6:20-23 (AMP)

                               2) BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOU MOURN,                                                                            for they wil be COMFORTED.

Mourning and weeping are something I know a lot about. Over the years I have experienced grief, having lost a number of family members, undergone health issues and encountering job lossess. Anxiety and depression have also overwhelmed me over the years.  But God's PROMISES and Jesus' LOVE have always been a "COMFORT" to me.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the FATHER OF COMPASSIONand the GOD OF ALL COMFORT, who COMFORTS US in all our troubles, so WE CAN COMFORT those in any trouble with the COMFORT WE OURSELVES RECEIVE FROM GOD." 2 Corinthians 1:3&3 (NIV)

We can often feel brokenhearted (grieved, sorrowful) and discouraged (depressed); feeling "abandoned" and "alone". Sometimes we we are in pain and ask lots of questions: Why don you stop it? Why don't I understand how I feel? We have 2 choices:

1. We can "dwell on the negative - the fear and anxiety, mourning and weeping.

2. We can TRUST IN CHRIST with His healing  and restoration.  We can have a "victory, faith filled life". Hold on to HOPE and He will DIRECT YOUR STEPS!

"God is with you always. He will never forsake you. He is on your side. Even though we don't understand our grief, we can give it all to GOD, so that we can be COMFORTED."    Vance K Jackson

"Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8 (NIV)

                                     3. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE MEEK                                                                    for they will INHERIT THE EARTH."                                                                                    ( Matthew 5:5 NIV)

MEEKNESS can also be known as GENTLENESS and HUMILITY. It is the opposite of pride and "self seeking", wanting to do things our own way. If we want to be BLESSED we want to follow GOD'S WAY. 

"The Greek word for MEEK is GENTLE and CONSIDERATE. We show kindness for others. When JESUS IS MEEK He BLESSES US, as "we inherit the earth."                                                                                                                      Nicky Gumbel

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are, no more and no less."        Matthew 5:5a (MSG)

I have always tried to see myself as MEEK and HUMBLE. It hasn't always been easy, but like Jesus says we need to think of others and their needs, before our own. Paul remiinds us in each of his letters to the Churches that that they need to be "humble and gentle", "compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient". These are all aspects of LIVING A MEEK LIFE like JESUS!

Jesus describes Himself as meek and humble. He was such a gentle and kind teacher. Some people wanted Jesus to be a king  or a political leader. But Jesus "traded his pride for humility" and gave up his life for  "service and love".   The original meaning in Jesus' day was to have "power under control" like a meek, "courageous soldier". Jesus lived out His power of LOVE. 

"Be completely HUMBLE AND GENTLE; be PATIENT,  bearing with one another in LOVE."  Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH COMPASSION, KINDNESS, HUMILITY, GENTLENESS AND PATIENCE."                                                                                                              Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

                            4. BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND                                                                     THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS                                                                        FOR THEY WILL BE FILLED  (Matthew 5:6 NIV)

"But seek first His Kingdom and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

This is one of my favourite of Jesus' teachings - seeking to live a life that is RIGHT AND GOOD - seeking to following God's will. I am not a perfectionist, but I do my best, by reading and studing GOD'S WORD, PRAYING each day and being a LIGHT to others. 

Like, one of my spiritual mentors, Nicky Gumbel, I wake up each morning with an "appetite" for the BIBLE, and the "greatest priority" is to "hunger and thirst for righteousness".

"We will not be empty, but be filled with all the food that God give us." Nicky Gumbel

We are MADE RIGHT WITH GOD - "with boldness, divine holiness, virtue and JUSTICE". There are 4 things we can do to make sure we can live a RIGHTEOUS life

a. BLESS those around us - "I am BLESSED to be a BLESSING to others". Tim Gardiner

b. REPENTANCE - "Martin Luther  said: "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said "REPENT", he intended that the entire life of believers should be REPENTANCE."

c) Live TRUTHFUL, LOVING AND CARING LIVES - "Pursue and strive after Christ's way of doing things in every aspect of your life."Vance K Jackson   "He that earnestly seeks after and craves RIGHTEOUSNESS, mercy and lovingkindness, will find life in addition to righteousness (urightness and rightstanding with God) and HONOUR."  Proverbs 21:21 (AMPV)

d) JUSTICE - "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to ACT JUSTLY, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

                      

                                      5. BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL                                                                                 and they will be SHOWN MERCY.                                                                                                                 Matthew 5:7 (NIV)

"To be a Christian means FORGIVING THE INEXUABLE, for GOD HAS FORGIVEN THE INEXUABLE in you." C.S Lewis

The merciful are "BLESSED BY GOD", when they "SHOW MERCY." We receive GOD'S MERCY when we reflect of Jesus' death. We continue to practice MERCY, GRACE AND FORGIVENESS by showing how grateful we are for all He has done for us. We can receive and give this to others.

"Be kind to each other and COMPASSIONATE to one another, FORGIVING each other, just as in Christ FORGAVE YOU." Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

There are 3 main BLESSINGS that are given to us, and we can give to others:

a) Mercy promotes "reconciliation" and peace with God.

"This means that anyone who BELONGS TO CHRIST has become a NEW PERSON. The old has gone, the NEW LIFE HAS BEGUN! And all of this is a GIFT FROM GOD, who brought us back to Himself through CHRIST. And God has given us the task of RECONCILING PEOPLE TO HIMSELF. For God was in Christ, recociling the world to world to HIMSELF, no longer counting people's sins against them. And He gave us THIS WONDERFUL MESSAGE OF RECONCILIATION. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for CHRIST, when we plead: "COME BACK TO GOD." 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NLT)

b) "Freedom cancels other debts. They choose to peacefully, forgive and listen to us. We are the witnesses of God's LOVE, GRACE AND MERCY." Sue Gardener.

c) Jesus transforms us! We walk in step with Him and put others first before ourselves. MERCY IS OUR BLESSING!

"LOVE must be sincere (don't just pretend, REALLY LOVE THEM). Hate what is evil (wrong); cling (hold tightly) to what is good. Be DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE (with genuine affection). (Take delight in) honouring one another ABOVE YOURSELVES. Never be lacking in zeal (work hard), but keep YOUR SPIRITUAL FERVOR, serving the Lord (enthiastically). Be joyful in (confident) HOPE, PATIENT in afflcition (trouble), FAITHFUL IN PRAYER. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. (Be ready to help, always be eager to) PRACTICE HOSPITALITY."                                                                                                                  Romans 12:13 (NIV)

                                    6. BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART for                                                                    THEY WILL SEE GOD.   Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

"When we are TRULY PURE we show INTEGRITY in our lives. PURITY is not only in our HEARTS, but also in our THOUGHTS, WORDS and ACTIONS." Nicky Gumbel

How do we purify our hearts?

a) David tells us that we need to  "stay on the path of purity", by living according to God's Word.  

"How can a young person stay PURE? By obeying YOUR WORD....I have HIDDEN YOUR WORD IN MY HEART that I may not sin against you." Psalm 119:9&11 (NLT)

b) Paul reminded Timothy, even as a youth,  he needs to be an example to the people in His Church by His "speech, conduct, love, faith and purity".

"The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with LOVE, that comes from a PURE HEART, a CLEAR CONSCIENCE and a GENUINE FAITH."                                                                                                                                1 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)

c) Peter reminds us as Jesus did in his teachings, that we are "purified by gold". If our faith is genuine it needs to be tested, and the flames in the fire need to PURIFY OUR HEARTS. 

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as FIRE PURIFIES GOLD - our faith is more precious than mere gold. So when FAITH REMAINS STRONG through many trials, it will bring much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."                                                                                                                           1 Peter 1:7  (NLT)

                                  "BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS for                                                         THEY WILL BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD."                                                                                 Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Jesus is the greatest PEACEMAKER, an He wants to teach us to do the same.  In the Gospels and the many letters from the disciples and Paul, we read taught about how to be PEACEMAKERS, not to "stir up conflict". Jesus died on the cross for us so that we could LIVE IN PEACE , and show "cooperation" and joy.

"I have told you these things, so that IN ME, YOU CAN HAVE PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD."                                                                                                                                John 16:33 (NIV)

"Why does the world need peace? Because there is so much war, hatred, deceit and anger; in our community, workplaces, marriages and families. There is so mucy worry and anxiety. But, we need to give them all to Jesus, so we can have PEACE." Leonardo Veliz

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by PRAYER and PETITION, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. AND THE PEACE OF GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus"   Philippians 4:6&7 (NIV) 

This is one of the hardest things I have had to work in over the years, including the fears, shame and regrets I have from the past. But I have learnt how to surrender these to the Lord, and "leaving these at the foot of the cross", and I have received healing and peace.

"To be a PEACEMAKER, we need to receive PEACE. We cannot be friends with everyone, we cannot have approval from everyone, but we can extend PEACE TO OTHERS - LOVE, FORGIVENESS AND GRACE. But we need to MAKE A CHOICE, IT DEPEND ON US!" Leonardo Veliz

"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt amony yourselves, AND BE AT PEACE WITH EACH OTHER." Mark 9:50 (NIV)

"Let the PEACE OF GOD RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, since as members of one body YOU WERE CALLED TO PEACE. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

                            "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED,                                                                   because of RIGHTEOUSNESS, for                                                                  THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN."                                                                                    Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

"Blessed are you when people INSULT YOU and PERSECUTE YOU, and FALSELY SAY ALL KINDS OF EVIL AGAINST YOU, because of Me. REJOICE AND BE GLAD, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way, THEY PERSECUTED THE  PROPHETS WHO WERE BEFORE YOU." Matthew 5:11&12 (NIV)

One of my favourite movies I watched this week was "Paul, Apostle of Christ". Luke was risking his life to visit Paul who was in a Roman prison. Paul tells his story, adding to Luke's Gospel and Acts, we are challenged by the Christians in the Early Church. 

We have a long JOURNEY, just like Paul, the disciples and the early Christians. There are times we may face opposition, but we can "cultivate a faith" and leadership. Jesus assures us, just as He did His followers, that we would have the "presence of the Holy Spirit", He will GUIDE AND STRENGTHEN US, "navigating the trials that may come our way".

"When the SPIRIT OF TRUTH comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future."  John 16:13 (NLT)

We can overcome persecution, and we will "not face it alone"! All we need to do IS TO TRUST IN JESUS, HIS FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT!

"Yet what we SUFFER now is nothing COMPARED TO THE GLORY HE WILL REVEAL TO US LATER....In all things, WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM WHO LOVES US"  Romans 8:18 &37 (NLT/NIV)

"Lord, help us to LIVE AS YOU WOULD WANT US TO LIVE, by the VALUES of the SERMOM on the MOUNT, characterized and BLESSED by the BEAUTITUDES, so we might be a LIGHT TO THE WORLD around us." Nicky Gumbel

"Holy Bible - New King James Version" 1982, Thomas Nelson

"Holy Bible - New International Version"2011, Biblica

"Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015,Tyndale House Publishers

"Amplified Bible", 2015, The Lockman Foundation

"The Message - The Bible in Contemporary Language", Eugene H Peterson, 1993, Nav Press/Tyndale House Publishers

ALEXANDER, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible - 4th Edition" , 2009, Lion Hudson Publishers

GARDENER, Tim, "Blessed - The Poor in Spirit", 2025, "C3 Rouse Hill"

GARDEBER, Sue, "Blessed - The Meek", 2025, "C3 Rouse Hill".

GUMBEL, Nicky, "The Bible - Classic Version: "The Source of God's Favour and Goodness", 2025, ALPHA/ You Version

JACKSON, Vance K, "God's Sorrow Worketh Repentance: Legacy -- God Honours the Heart"; "Pursue Righteousness", 2025, Instagram/You Version

VELIZ, Leonardo, "Blessed: Peacemaker" ,2025, "C3 Rouse Hill"



LUTHER KING Jnr, Martin:   "Celebrating Mercy, Justice and Peace: 3 Reflections", 2025, and Daily Bread/You Version

LEWIS, C.S , "Receive Forgiveness and Be Merciful", 2025, ALPHA, You Version

THE LAST DISCIPLE - JUDAS ISCARIOT

 

                                                JUDAS ISCARIOT

Well, we have finally made it - our study on JESUS' 12 DISCIPLES has come to an end! Here, we get to meet Judas Iscariot - known mainly as the one who BETRAYED JESUS for 20 pieces of silver. 

In "The Chosen" we see him as the "treasurer". He is known to have stolen from the "poor bag" and in the Gospels we know he was the one who objected when Mary  "anointed Jesus" with expensive ointment. 

"A dinner was prepared in Jesus' honour. Martha served and Lazarus was among those who ate with Him. Then Mary took a 12 ounce jar of expensive perfume made from the essence of nard, and she annointed Jesus' feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray Him, said: "That perfume was worth a year's wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor." Not that he cared for the poor - he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciple's money, he often stole some for himself."

"Jesus replied, "Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me."                                                                                                                             John 12:2-8 (NLT)

Judas was close to Jesus. He saw all His miracles and listened to His teaching. Most of the other disciples liked him, and trusted his job as the "teasurer". He paid for their food and their expenses.

Although, there is no reference in the Gospel of Judas' call by Jesus, we do know that he believed in Him as the PROMISED MESSIAH. 

At the LAST SUPPER Jesus announced that He would be betrayed.

Judas then went and "made a deal with the Chief Priests". Afterward, he betrayed Jesus with A KISS. He was later filled with remorse and killed himself.

"While He was speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of 12, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss Him, but Jesus asked Him, "JUDAS, ARE YOU BETRAYING THE SON OF MAN WITH A KISS?" Luke 27:47&48 (NIV)

"So Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself." Matthew 27:5 (NLT)

MATTHIAS

"Then they all prayed, "O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which one of these men you have chosen, as an Apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an Apostle with the other eleven." Acts 1:24-26 (NLT)

The name Matthias means "gift of Yahweh". He preached the Gospel in Judea, then moved on to other foreign lands, reaching out to Gentiles. He endured trials and was martyrd for his faith, probably stoning, beheaded or crucified. 

In the Gospels and Acts we discover that all the disciples, except Judas, were sent out by Jesus to minister and preach, first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles. 

"When you enter a house, first say, "PEACE TO THIS HOUSE". If someone who promotes PEACE is there, your PEACE WILL REST ON THEM; if not, it will return to you."  Luke 10:5&6 (NIV)

The disciples had a great BLESSING, being able to go out and minister to those who were sick, who just needed to hear the Gospel - God's Word. Spending time with Jesus was the most special time in their Spiritual growth.

There is hardly a country today that has not had the name of a Saint in their Church - a disciple. A place that doesn't know the NAME OF JESUS, because his Apostles were His servants. We still talk about Jesus' MERCY, KINDNESS, FORGIVENESS and SALVATION. We too can cultivate His ministry in our lives and can live a life of LOVE AND JOY, sharing the DISCIPLES LIVES as we live out THE GOSPELS!

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION", 2011, Biblica

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

"THE CHOSEN" - Series 1 & 5, "First Apperance", "Last Supper", Luke Dimyan,  Prime Video

THE FOURTH DISCIPLES - JAMES, THADDEUS (JOEL) and SIMON THE ZEALOT

 

 

We are now moving to nearly the last of our disciples: Little James, Thaddeus (Joel) and Simon the Zealot. They are not mentioned a lot in the Gospels, though in "The Chosen" series, they are given specific stories:

* Little James has a physical disability, and he asks Jesus some challenging questions of "faith, healing and self acceptance." James still showed "devotion and loyalty" to Jesus, even with his pain.

* Joel (also known as Thaddeus) spent three years witnessing Jesus' miracles and teachings. He was the brother of James and a faighful servant of Jesus. 

* Simon the Zealot had a "perfect opportunity" to kill a Roman Magistrate, but instead, he said "no" to Barnabas, and followed Jesus; when he saw the healing of his brother at the Pool of Bethsaida.

We too, may have choices in our lives. Do we follow the way JESUS CALLS, or do we go our OWN WAY. There have been times I have questioned the Lord - regarding my  health and my work. There are times I have made mistakes and failed. But one thing, I have always done when JESUS has CALLED me is to FOLLOW HIM, my SAVIOUR and my FRIEND. 

                                           1. JAMES (Son of Alphaeus)

"Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. HEAL THE SICK, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely, you have received, freely give."  Matthew 10:6-8 (NKJV)

This is one of the most "debated" scenes in "The Chosen - Series 3". James and the other disciples had been sent out by Jesus to heal others, yet "little" James didn't understand "Why haven't you healed me?" 

Jesus said: "It would be more impactful if you praised God despite your condition. There will be a time when you will be with me in my Kingdom, and you will have no pain."

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know, when your FAITH IS TESTED, your ENDURANCE has a chance to GROW. So let it grow, so when your endurance is fully developed, you will be PERFECT, COMPLETE, needing nothing." James 1:2-4 (NLT)

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death nor sorrow or crying OR PAIN. All these things are gone forever." Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

In Mark's Gospel, James had a nickname, "James the Less", yet he was one of the disciples who stood with Mary, and his own mother Mary at the crucifixion of Jesus. He was a man of great strength and it is believed he was faithful and committed when he followed Jesus.

"There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary, the Mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, who also followed Him and ministed to Him when He was in Galilee." Mark 15:40&41a (NKJV)

Later in His ministry with the early Church, it is believed James was the first Bishop of Jerusalem, in 50 AD. He was later martyd in Perisa. 

"They all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers." Acts  1:14

                                                  2)  JUDE (THADDEUS)

In this Episode Thaddeus (Jude)  a stone mason and brother of James,  met with Jesus, a carpenter. He was one of the early disciples who decided to leave his work to follow Him. He spent all his time learning from Jesus and watching Him minister to others. Thaddeus was his nickname, amd he had a "courgeous heart".

Thaddeus' servant name was Jude, and in his letters, he does a lot of reminiscing about his time with Jesus. He encourages the early Church in their "holy faith", their "prayers", "mercy" and "salvation".

"But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourself in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to to bring you to eternal life." Jude 1:29&21 (NIV)

"To Him, who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and great joy - to the only God, our Saviour, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." Jude 1:24&25 (NIV)

He tells us of the OMNIPOTENT GOD - His greatness and all power.  He helps is live a JOYFUL LIFE WITH HIM.

Joel preached in Mesopotamia, like the other disciples, and their were many thoughts on his death:

* Was he marytyd in Persia?

* Did he have a simple quiet death.

"We simply don't know. The truth is illusive". Sean McDowell

                                             3)  SIMON - THE ZEALOT

Simon was a Zealot - a member of the 1st Century Jewish Political Party. The term comes from an "ancient Aramaic word", and Simon was identified as one of these "nationalists". 

They believed that God was the only ruler in Israel, and that the Jews should not be under "pagan rule". They were known for their "violent, guerilla warfare" against the Romans.

"Now there in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda which is surrounded by five covered colonades. Crowds of sick people - blind, lame, or paralyzed - lay on the porches. One of the men had been lying there had been sick for 38 years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?" John 5:2-4 (NIV/NLT)

Jesus and his disciples were heading to Jerusalem to prepare for the Passover. Simon's brother was at the pool in Bethesda, waiting for a time to be healed. Jesus approached Simon's brother, Jesse , and asked if he wanted to be healed. Simon is distracted from his politics and assasination plans, and he is reconciled with his brother. Later, Simon searches for Jesus:

"I have given up the Zealots, their way of life, to FOLLOW YOU, after I witnessed my brother's healing." Simon (The Chosen)

Simon went on the preach in Egypt and then joined Jude (Thaddeus) in Persia. He was said to be cut in half with a saw, though other theologians believe it was just a peaceful death. 

"HOLY BIBLE - NEW KING JAMES VERSION." (1982) Thomas Nelson.

"HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAl VERSION" (2011) Biblica

"HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" (2015) Tyndale House Publishers

"THE CHOSEN" - Series 2,  3 & 5, "Why Haven't You Healed Me",  "Thaddeus Meets Jesus for the First Time", "Jesus Calls Simon the Zealot", "The Perfect Opportunity", Jordon Walker (James), Giavanni Cairo (Thaddeus/Jude), Alaa Safi (Simon), Prime Video. 

 

MOEN, Don, "I Offer My Life", (2009), Don Moen (Composer/Performer) TV/Unlimited Worship

CUSHING, William O (Composer),  "Down in the Valley with My Saviour I Would Go", 1986, Hymnary.org

SINGH, Sundar, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" (Composer) 

McDowell, Sean, "The Fate of the Apostles - Examining the Martydom Accounts of the Closest Followers of Jesus," 2015, Ashgate Publishing

 

THE THIRD DISCISCIPLES - Matthew and Thomas

 

This week I have working on my "Calling the Disciple" BLOGS. It has not only been an inspirational study of the Disciple's lives, but I have also discovered some wonderful WORSHIP; both in the music and the reviewing of the "CHOSEN" series. 

So lets continue as we move on with Jesus, as He calls Matthew and Thomas to join his followers.

"What is a disciple? A standard definition of a "disciple" is someone who adheres to the teachings of Jesus . It means to FOLLOW HIM. A disciple of Jesus is someone who learns from Him in order to LIVE LIKE HIM." Tim Gardener

Andrew, Peter, John and James followed Jesus when he called them:

"Come, follow me, and I will show you how to make FISH FOR PEOPLLE."                                                                                                      Matthew 4:19 (NLT)

Philip and Nathanael's primary purpose was to "reach out" to people with the Gospel, so they could have a personal relationship with Jesus, just as He did.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE." Matthew 28:19&20 (NLT) 

                                           MATTHEW (LEVI)

"As He walked along, He saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at a Tax Collector's booth. "Follow me", Jesus told Him and Levi got up and FOLLOWED HIM."                                                                                                                            Mark 2:14 (NIV)

Matthew (Levi) was a Tax Collector, actually doing his job for the Romans, when Jesus called him. The Jews and other disciples would may have rejected him because he was working for their enemies. Yes, he was "despised", and he probably not liked becaused he overcharged people with their taxes. He may have been "wicked and greedy",  yet Jesus said:

"It is not the heaslthy who need a doctor; but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous but the sinners TO REPENTANCE." Mark 2:17 (NIV)

This time Jesus invited a sinner to follow Him, and this was especially difficult for the Pharisees, when Jesus went home to his house. Zaccheaus was another Tax Collector, not a young man like Matthew, but he felt rejected too. Both men had felt trapped in their job and in their lives, but they wanted to meet with Jesus and to invite Hin unto their homes to meet their friends and  families. 

"Jesus responded: "Salvation has come too this home today, for this man has shown himseld to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." Luke 19:9&10 (NIV)

Matthew was a gifted mathematician and a writer, with social challenges, but still great honesty, humility and faith.  One of my favourite parts of "The Chosen" series was in meeting the disciples, and learning why Jesus accepted them. 

"An autistic Matthew reminds us that Jesus even calls the disabled to LEAD and to uniquely participate in HIS MISSION." Andrew Abernathy

We know that Jesus was familiar with suffering and he related to the disabled. Like Jesus,  there were times when Matthewe was anxious and socially rejected, but we know that He was loved and accepted by Jesus and His Father.  

                                                         THOMAS              

 The specific calling of Thomas is not recorded in the Scriptures. Little is known of his early life. In "The Chosen" it tells a story of his engagement to a young woman, Ramah, who was killed, but we do not read this in the Bible. We know he was one of the 12 disciples, with a journey of doubt and later a confession of faith.  

Thomas is well known as "the doubter", yet he was devoted to Jesus. Thomas is mentioned only in name in the book of John.  He was a man who needed to see things for himself. 

"A week later His disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said: "Peace be with you". Then he said to Thomas: "Put your finger here, see my hands. Reach put your hand  and put it into my side. STOPAND DOUBT AND BELIEVE."

Thomas said to Him: "My Lord and my God!"

Then Jesus told him: "Because you have seen, you believe. Blessed are those who have not seen, yet have believed." John 20:26-29 (NIV)

Unlike the other disciples, after the resurrection of Jesus, Thomas waited a week, before seeing Jesus again. When Jesus offered to show Thomas His wounds, he was overcome with awe. Jesus was not angry or condemning, He did not "reject him", even with his doubts. He simply showed grace and mercy.

Christians today still have doubts, especially when our prayers may not be answered the way we want them to. My husband Mark and son Aaron have always been men who have needed to see the Word of God in action. They have always asked a lot of questions.  I have simply always believed becaused I watched my parents live out their their faith.  Yet, even when things haven't always gone OUR WAY, we have NEVER ABANDONED OUR FAITH. Why? Because Jesus is our SAVIOUR AND FRIEND.

Both Matthew and Thomas were Apostles and evangelists in the early Church. Matthew stayed in Judea and then went out as a missionary in the Middle East; Thomas went out to minstered in India, a founder of the Marthoma Christian Community.  Matthew was martyrd in Ethiopia, probably by stoning or beheading; while Thomas was speared by four soldiers around 72AD.  Both were great men of faith!

"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2011, Biblica

"The Holy Bible - New Living Translation", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

"Worship Song - Lord I Trust You," 2024, Graceful Sounds/You Tube

"My Jesus, My Saviour", 1993, Darlene Zschech (Composer/Performer),                  Hillsong/Music Ministry

"THE CHOSEN - Season 1-4, "Jesus Calls Matthew", "Matthew is Autistic", "Jesus Comforts Thomas in His Grief", Parais Patel (Matthew), Joey Valedi (Thomas), 2021, 

"KINGDOM COME" - "Thomas Believes", 2012, JamsFimsVideos, 

GARDENER, Tim, "Next Steps - GO on Mission", 2025, C3 Church, Rouse Hill

ABERNATHY, Andrew, "Why Matthew's Disability in "The Chosen" Matters", 2021, TGC, Arts and Culture, US Edition. 

 

                           

THE SECOND DISCIPLES - Philip & Nathanael (Batholomew)

 "The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found PHILIP and said to Him, "COME  FOLLOW ME"...... Philip went to look for Nathanael and told Him: "We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! HIS NAME IS JESUS, the Son of Joseph from Nazareth."

"Nazareth!" exclaimed Nathanael, "Can anything good come from Nazaret?"

"Come and see for yourself", Philip replied.

As they approached, Jesus said, "And here is the genuine son of Israel - a man of compleye integrity." 

"How do you know about me?" Nathanael asked.

"Jesus reploed, "I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you."

Then Nathanaell exlaimed, "Rabbi, you are the SON OF GOD - THE KING OF ISRAEL!"  John 1:43-49 (NLT)

                                                           5. PHILIP

Philip was a "down to earth person" from Bethsaida. He had a lot of questions he wanted to ask Jesus but first, in obedience he simply wanted to accept Jesus' invitation to follow and to live His example.

1) The first thing he wanted to do was to find his friend Nathaniel, and to bring him to Jesus.

 2) He was a servant, very involved with giving to others - especially in the story of "FEEDING THE 5000/4000". 

"Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for Him. Turning to Philip, He asked: "Where can we but bread to feed these people?" He was testing Philip, for He already knew what he was going to do. 

Philip replied: "Even if we worked for months, we wouldn't have enough money to feed them."  John 6:5-7 (NLT)

"Philip had lots of testing and times of failure, but like Philip, we need to process these tests with spiritual truths.  Trust in God, and earnestly follow Jesus. Philip was corrected, but he chose to commit to Jesus' will, rather than to walk away."                                                                                              Gordon Kimble

After Jesus had ascended into Heaven, Philip became an Apostle and started to preach the Gospel in Galilee, and he took on the gift of healing and miracles. He restored to life a baby in the arms of his mother. He then moved on as a Church leader in Greece. 

Philip was anothe disciple who was crucified on upside on a cross. 

                                     6) NATHANAEL (BARTHOLOMEW)

Nathanael came from Cana and his second name was Bartholomew. He had some doubts, but when Jesus came to meet with him, he was "convinced" of the TRUTH. Philip and Nathanael were both men of "sound character".

Little is known of Nathanael's background, except before he left to follow Jesus he was a carpenter, like Jesus. We do know that he was an HONEST,  AND FAITHFUL servant of Jesus Christ, a student of the Old Testament. He was a leader in the Early Church, commissioned like the other disciples to preach and teach the Word of God.                                                                                                                                   

"But you will receive powe when the HOLY SPIRIT comes upon you. And you will be MY WITNESSES telling people about Me everywhere - in Jerusalem, throughout m Judea, in Samaria, and the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Why did Nathanael have two names? Bartholomew may have have been his Hebrew surname. John is the only Gospel writer who referred to him as Nathanael. He was a "genuine and authentic believer", with an eager heart, filled with the Holy Spirit and willing to leave everying to simply say "YES" and "FOLLOW JESUS".

We too are challenged to accept the calling of Jesus, like Philip and Nathanael? If Jesus asked you today to follow Him, what would you say? YES! Would you make excuses,  or would you immediately, follow Him? Perhaps, you are waiting and learning, studying His Word, so you can make the right decision. Be encouraged!! 

"Jesus make encounters with people, making Himself available to us......Philip wanted to tell his friend Nathanael, that he FOUND JESUS, but Jesus wanted to FIND PHILIP AND NATHANAEL. Nathanel wondered why Jesus even took the time to find out who he was. Jesus said he saw him under the fig tree reading THE SCRIPTURES. Jesus told him he would see GREATER THINGS, and we will too as we KEEP BEHOLDING JESUS' GLORY." Peyton Jones

 "THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INNTERNATIONAL VERSION", 2011, Biiblica

"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers

"THE CHOSEN" -Season 2,  Season 3: "Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael", "An Interview with Philip", "Crying Out to God", 2021, 2022, Jonothon Roumie (Jesus), Rezo Diako (Philip), Austin Reed Alleman (Nathaniel) , Prime Video.

"When Jesus Calls My Name", 20235, Powerful Christian Country Music, NearHisHeartWorship

JONES, Peyton, "Meeting Jesus" - John's Gospel: Chapter 1:Part 2", 2025, Through the Word.