Following Jesus - Popular?

Good morning everyone!! A wonderful day to be alive in Jesus Christ!! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!! Monday we will begin study on the Beatitudes. But, today, turn to Matthew 5:1-2

"One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them."
Huges crowds would follow Jesus - he was the talk of the town and everyone wanted to see him. The disciples, who were the closest associates of this popular man, were certainly tempted to feel important, pround and possessive. Being with Jesus gave them not only prestige but also opportunity for receiving money and power.

The crowds were gathering once again. But before speaking to them, Jesus pulled his disciples aside and warned them about the temptations they would face as his associates. Don't expect fame and fortune, Jesus was saying, but mourning, hunger, and persecution. Jesus did assure his disciples that they would be rewarded but perhaps not in this life.

There may be times when following Jesus will bring us great popularity. If we don't live by Jesus' words in this sermon, we will find ourselves using God's message only to promote our personal interests.

Thank you for reading. Love you all. Monday Beatitude #1 - verse 3.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny