In Matthew 5:1-2, it tells us: “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.”
This passage introduces one of the most profound moments in Scripture: the Sermon on the Mount. And as Jesus begins to teach, there’s an important detail worth noting. There are two distinct groups that are present—The crowd and His disciples. And understanding the difference between these two groups can help us reflect on where we are in our relationship with Jesus.
The crowd was large, diverse, and ever-changing. They were drawn by the excitement surrounding Jesus—the miracles, the authority in His teaching, and the hope of witnessing something extraordinary. They were intrigued by Him, perhaps even inspired. But their commitment was shallow. For many, their connection to Jesus was just temporary, based on what He could offer them in the moment.
The disciples, however, were different. They weren’t just curious observers; they were committed followers. They had made a decision to leave behind their old lives and fully embrace the new life that Jesus offered. They didn’t just want to learn from Him; they wanted to live like Him.
This distinction is still relevant today. We still have crowds and disciples. And the question we have to ask ourselves is this: Are we part of the crowd, content to admire Jesus from a distance, or are we disciples, devoted to walking with Him daily?
A few years back, our men’s group did a study titled “Not a Fan.” It asked the tough question: Are we fans of Jesus—enthusiastic spectators—or are we followers who seek to truly know Him and obey His teachings, even when it’s hard?
Being part of the crowd is easy. It doesn’t require change or sacrifice. But Jesus calls us to something deeper—to be His disciples, people who live out His teachings with courage and faith.
This call isn’t just about our proximity to Jesus—it’s about our transformation in and through Him. While the crowd admired Jesus’ words, the disciples let His words shape their lives.
So, where do we find ourselves? Are we simply fascinated by Jesus, or are we committed to following Him, no matter the cost? Jesus is calling us to be more than just a fan and to step out of the crowd into deeper relationship with Him. He’s inviting us to move from being admirers to being followers who experience the fullness of this life that He offers.
My prayer for all of us is that we wouldn’t settle for being part of the crowd, but instead seek to be His disciples and live lives that reflect His unconditional love and grace.
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