Sunday: A Night of Preparation — Mark 3:13; Luke 6:12
The multitude’s enthusiastic response to Jesus’ anointed teaching and healing (Mark 3:7-12) compelled Him to withdraw into a mountain for a solitary night of prayer to the Father (something He did frequently, Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42; 5:16). Prayer defined the person and ministry of Christ, and between His prayers He taught and worked miracles. For the demands of the ministry, more voices and hands were needed to carry out God’s work. Jesus’ choice was vital to success. He assembled His dedicated followers the following morning to select and commission the men who would be His closest partners in the ministry.
Monday: Commissioning the Twelve — Mark 3:14-19; Luke 6:13-16
None of the men commissioned as Jesus’ apostles were perfect: each had flaws, for each was a man. The appointment of 12 follows God’s divine number of spiritual administration: the 12 Sons of Jacob, the 12 tribes of Israel. In fact, the number 12 appears throughout the Bible. Selecting the right men was essential, and their manner of conduct in ministry was important to accomplishing the work, a work that required not only their faithful commitment, but also a divine anointing of power. Four important tasks are listed by Mark: they would “be with” Christ (ministering to Him), they would preach the gospel, they would heal the sick, and they would cast out demons. They were called “apostles,” as they were sent as messengers with delegated authority.
Tuesday: The Sermon Begins — Matthew 5:1-2; Luke 6:17-19
Teaching and equipping ministering disciples are as essential to the work of God as actual preaching and healing. Jesus saw that the need of the multitudes was so great that He must prepare others to do the work. The Lord separates Himself from the general crowd to give the foundational truths of God’s Kingdom to His devoted followers to multiply His ability to reach more people.
Wednesday: Poor in Spirit — Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20
The Greek word Jesus used here, “ptoochos,” refers to one who is poor and is helpless to meet his own needs. He is like a beggar; his help and deliverance must come from the outside. God’s accurate diagnosis of man’s spiritual condition is that he is empty, poor, and helpless. We are unable to achieve our own salvation, or to receive it from those who are in the very same condition. Our help must come from One who is superior. God alone can save us.
Thursday: Those Who Mourn — Matthew 5:4; Luke 6:21
The truly spiritual person is one who takes personal inventory of his life and is overwhelmed by the attitudes of sin lingering within him. Anger, lust, envy, pride, bitterness, lack of faith, and many other attitudes of the old nature constantly vie for prominence within our lives. Paul cried out, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). We mourn over our sin, but God is our Deliverer! (Romans 7:25).
Friday: The Meek— Matthew 5:5
Meekness is not weakness! It is much more than being mild-mannered or easy-going. Meekness is a true view of the self, expressing itself in an appropriate attitude and conduct toward others. A meek man is one without self-pride, self-promotion, or self-assertiveness. He demands nothing for himself, not for position, privilege, possession, or status in life. The meek man is one who doesn’t defend himself, for he realizes there is nothing within him worth defending. He is gentle, lowly, and of a quiet spirit.
Saturday: Those Who Hunger — Matthew 5:6; Luke 6:21
Most people hunger and thirst for blessedness and a happy life. Truly spiritual people are blessed and happy because they seek after righteousness. This principle should be heralded as the great charter for every seeking soul! Think about it… Who can be blessed or happy when the source of unhappiness is never dealt with?