Blessed Are You, Part 2

In discussing the appointment of the Apostles on the mountain and then bringing them down to a level place to instruct them, Luke mentions a very large crowd assembled to hear and be healed by Him. The reference to this crowd, on the surface, seems to be extraneous in light of Jesus stated purpose to instruct the Apostles. I would argue that the inclusion of the crowd was pertinent to the ultimate reason for the Apostles to begin with. Jesus was laying the foundation of His Kingdom and its advancement in world that will be very hostile to it. This is seen in the beatitudes and woes Jesus pronounced to introduce His sermon. As Paul stated to Timothy, "All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). This reality is due to Kingdom citizens living in a world of evil people.