Jesus leads, despite his disciples. They remain "behind" somewhere, while the crowds gathered. And Jesus in the Gospel "went up the mountain," surrounded by the people. The disciples ask "What is he doing? We were about to leave here..."
And Jesus makes his way into the crowds, walking slowly up the mountain greeting souls, healing a few, smiling, touching, hugging, consoling... All the while the disciples roll their eyes, looking at their watches, thinking "I hope he finishes soon, because...."
And then ... Jesus sits down!!! And begins to instruct the multitudes.
And the disciples realize: "Oh, he's staying here. Let's go!" And they climb the mountain too, and sit really close to their master.
His message is the exact opposite from that of the Jewish laws and traditions proclaimed by the Scribes and Pharisees. Their teaching? "Fulfill the LAWS and God will make you rich, fruitful, tear-less powerful, with plenty of food and cattle, will kill your enemies for you, make you triumphant (and, as long as you fulfill the laws of purification, it's okay to divorce your wife, have relations on the side, and enjoy life - just make sure you purify yourself when you're done).
And Jesus says: "You are BLESSED IF:
- You cry...
- You go hungry...
- You are poor...
- You allow others to be better than you...
- You forgive others...
- You are clean, not ritually, but in your heart...
- You promote peace...
- You love your enemies...
- You are persecuted...
Perfection, just like our Heavenly Father, is what Christ demands of all Christians. In fact that's what it means to be a SAINT.
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