Jesus Calls the 12 Apostles and Teaches the Sermon on the Plain

Calling of the Twelve Apostles

• 🌙 Jesus spent the night in prayer before choosing 12 disciples to be his apostles.
• 👥 Among the chosen were familiar names like Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew (believed to be Levi, the tax collector).
• 🎯 The term 'apostle' means 'to be sent,' signifying their future mission into the world.
• ⚠️ It's noted that Judas Iscariot, who would become a traitor, was among the twelve, a detail understood within God's plan.

The Sermon on the Plain

• 📍 Jesus descended to a level place to teach a large crowd, including those from Judea and the Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon.
• ⚡ The crowd sought healing for various ailments, and Jesus's power was evident in curing them and casting out impure spirits.
• 📖 This teaching is referred to as the 'Sermon on the Plain,' similar to Matthew's 'Sermon on the Mount,' highlighting Jesus's teachings in different contexts.

Blessings and Woes: The Poor and the Rich

• 💖 Jesus declared blessings upon the poor, those who hunger, weep, and are hated for his sake, stating the Kingdom of God belongs to them.
• 💰 Conversely, he pronounced woes upon the rich, those who are well-fed, laugh now, and are spoken well of by everyone, as they have already received their comfort.
• ⚠️ The teaching emphasizes that riches can be an obstacle to spiritual fulfillment, and comfort can lead to a lack of awareness of greater needs.

Countercultural Teachings and False Prophets

• 🕊️ Jesus's teachings, such as caring for the poor, turning the other cheek, and promoting peace, are presented as countercultural to societal values like money and power.
• 🗣️ Being insulted or hated for following Jesus and his teachings is framed as a blessing, mirroring how the prophets were treated.
• 🚩 Woes are pronounced upon those who are praised by all, as this mirrors the treatment of false prophets who align with worldly values.
• ⚠️ A caution is issued against the direction some churches are moving, away from God, and the presence of false prophets within them.