A mountain between Capernaum and Tabgha on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is the mountain that Jesus often went to to pray by Himself. “Now it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer with God.” (Luke 6:12). This is where He chose the twelve disciples: ” And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles” (Luke 6:13).
On the northwest slope of the mountain, there is a relatively flat area resembling a big natural amphitheater with excellent acoustics. This is believed to be the place where Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount, the most important Sermon ever taught. It is a place where a big crowd could gather around Jesus to hear Him. “And then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place, and there was a large crowd of His disciples, and a great multitude of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon” (Luke 6:17).
THE BEATITUDES
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5: 3-12
