Surprised by Jesus

MOVING FROM SURPRISED BY JESUS TO FORMED BY JESUS

Based on Sermons by Gerry Derksen and Josh Reimer

 

Gerry Derksen, in a recent sermon indicated that the Sermon on the Mount was the standard for life up to about 300 AD. After that the Sermon faded from prominence. Then in the 16^th Century the Anabaptists tried to live by the Sermon. It became the manual for underpinning life and for changing the people around them.

The Sermon brought into focus the new world vs. the old world. Christ expected his disciples to do an about face and change their ways. The Beatitudes are Jesus' encouragement to those who want to embrace the new. These are blessings, not for the future, but for now; for whenever people come together to work in this new world. This is what Jesus promises in the beatitudes.

The Anabaptist reformers sought to live by the Sermon, and especially the Beatitudes. They were determined to change the way they followed Jesus. Was it worth it—new ways that bring suffering, persecution and danger—to change one's life?

Apparently the reformers were convinced this change was worth it. Many sacrificed themselves as martyrs but never gave up their beliefs, their commitment to discipleship.

Josh Reimer, in continuing the theme of formation, stated that Jesus is forming his disciples into different beings, committed to being a united people, followers of Jesus. These disciples, as salt and light, are formed into a community that is peace loving, just and merciful.