What It Means and Why It Matters
Imagine living in a time when hope felt distant, when it seemed like no new miracles or messages from God were coming, and life was overshadowed by oppression and disappointment. That was the world that many in Israel were experiencing before Jesus came onto the scene. His message of deliverance, delivered with power and compassion, transformed not only their understanding of God but also their sense of purpose and belonging. Here’s how.
The Need for Deliverance
For centuries before Jesus’ arrival, the people of Israel were longing for God to act in a new and powerful way. The Old Testament prophets had spoken of God’s presence and His mighty works, but after their voices went silent, people started to wonder where God was. In writings like Ecclesiastes, there is a feeling of weariness and futility, as if nothing new could ever happen. The writer lamented, “There is nothing new under the sun.” People were stuck in the same struggles, with no fresh hope on the horizon.
Adding to this, Israel was under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire. Their land, their traditions, and their sense of freedom were dominated by a foreign power. Corruption and moral compromise were everywhere, and many felt disillusioned. They wanted deliverance—not just from their political troubles, but also from the spiritual emptiness that seemed to have taken hold.
Jesus on the Mountain
Then came Jesus, with a message that was as radical as it was comforting. In His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke directly to the hearts of the people. He told them that the “kingdom of God” was not some far-off dream or a vision for the distant future—it was near, happening right before their eyes. This kingdom wasn’t about earthly power or military victories; it was about God’s rule in their hearts and lives, bringing peace, justice, and love.
Jesus’ message of deliverance was deeply personal. Just as God had delivered their ancestors from slavery in Egypt under Moses, Jesus offered a way out of their spiritual and emotional struggles. But instead of leading an army or starting a rebellion, He called people to a life centered on God’s presence. His words were revolutionary: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” These weren’t just abstract ideas—they were promises that God cared deeply for the broken, the outcast, and the weary.
Why This Message Was Good News
For the people who listened to Jesus, this message was like rain in a desert. For generations, they had lived with the sense that God was distant—that He wasn’t doing anything new. Some writings from that time even suggested that angels, magic, or human efforts were behind what little “miraculous” events they experienced. But Jesus brought a fresh vision of God’s active presence, showing that God Himself was at work in their lives.
When Jesus proclaimed the reign of God, it wasn’t just about spiritual matters. Many people were suffering under the weight of the Roman Empire’s harsh rule. Taxes were crushing, and the moral decay they saw around them left many feeling hopeless. Jesus’ message reminded them that God hadn’t forgotten them. His kingdom wasn’t like Rome’s—it was one of humility, service, and love for others. This was a kingdom where the first would be last, and the last would be first.
What This Means for Us Today
Jesus’ message of deliverance wasn’t limited to the people of His time—it’s just as relevant for us today. We may not be living under Roman rule, but many of us feel weighed down by other forms of oppression, whether it’s anxiety, injustice, or the pressures of modern life. His message reminds us that God’s kingdom is still at hand, offering hope and transformation.
The Sermon on the Mount invites us to live differently. It challenges us to trust in God’s presence, even when things seem bleak. It also calls us to be part of God’s work in the world, bringing love, kindness, and justice wherever we go. Jesus showed us that deliverance isn’t just about escaping our problems—it’s about finding God’s peace and purpose in the midst of them.
Conclusion
Jesus’ message of deliverance was and continues to be a beacon of hope for all who feel lost, oppressed, or weary. Just as He brought a fresh sense of God’s presence to the people of Israel, He offers us the same today. His words remind us that the kingdom of God is near, and that deliverance isn’t something we achieve on our own—it’s a gift from a loving and present God. All we have to do is open our hearts and be willing to receive it.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 