Key Text: Matthew 5:1 KJV - And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, His disciples came unto Him:

Great multitudes followed Jesus as He preached the gospel of the kingdom and healed all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Jesus, seeing the multitudes went up into a mountain, and it is interesting to note that only His disciples climbed up to meet Him there. But the multitudes remained in the plains and in the valley. Are you a committed follower or just an ordinary follower?

Jesus said, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Following Jesus is like the task of climbing a mountain which involves self-discipline and diligence. Multitudes want it easy on themselves, unwilling to fast, read the Bible and pray. Are you a true disciple? You must separate yourself from the multitudes by climbing higher to meet the Lord.

The Lord raised the standard of followership when He saw the multitudes. He wanted to sever the wheat from the chaff. Today, the Lord is not just looking for another follower, but true disciples that He can entrust with the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Multitudes are far from the Lord and can only hear parables. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.

Prayer: O Lord, I hunger for a closer walk with you. Draw me nearer by your power, in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Reflection: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me - Luke 9:23.