“When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them.”Matthew 5:1-2

Here, in His first major teaching recorded in Scripture, Jesus made it clear that the Gospel was for everyone. As we examine His “Sermon on the Mount,” we see constant references to attitudes and conditions of the heart. God’s blessings, He taught, were available to anyone who was poor in spirit and pure in heart. God wasn’t impressed by those who were honored and recognized in the world, but He sought those who “hunger and thirst for righteousness.” His blessings were not for those who were strong and powerful, but those who were gentle and merciful. He favored not those who were successful and popular, but those who were insulted, persecuted, and falsely accused. Jesus was describing something revolutionary and new—a faith and a way of life that was for people of all races, classes, and tribes. It included both men and women, Jews and Gentiles. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter confirmed this principle by telling the crowds “that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:28). And Paul later wrote: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). In the Gospel, “there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11). And Paul stressed that “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him” (Romans 10:12). Brothers & Sisters, the Gospel still is for everyone—for your family and friends, and even for your enemies. Truly, anyone can be saved. Dedicate yourself to being an instrument of salvation. Let God use you!