Book of Matthew - Chapter 5 - Verse 1

When Jesus saw the crowds gathering around him, he decided to go up onto a mountain. This act of going up a mountain was significant because in Jewish tradition, mountains were often seen as places where people could get closer to God. By going up onto the mountain, Jesus was symbolically elevating himself above the crowd, signaling that he was about to impart important teachings. When Jesus sat down, it was a common posture for a teacher in that time period, indicating that he was ready to share wisdom with his disciples. The fact that his disciples came to him shows their eagerness to learn from him and their recognition of him as their teacher and leader. This moment on the mountain was the beginning of the famous Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus delivers some of his most well-known teachings, including the Beatitudes.

When examining the theological implications of the verse "And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him," we can observe that this event took place during the Sermon on the Mount, a pivotal moment in Jesus's teaching ministry. The act of Jesus going up into a mountain signifies a symbolic ascent to a place of authority and revelation. It is significant that his disciples were the ones who came unto him, as they were the ones chosen to receive deeper understanding and insight into his teachings. The mountain setting also calls to mind the idea of encountering God in a high and holy place, reminiscent of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Jesus's positioning himself as teacher on the mountain shows his role as the ultimate authority and source of divine wisdom. This verse highlights the importance of seeking out Jesus as the source of truth and guidance for his followers, who are eager to learn from him.