The Blessed

We are going to take a walk through Jesus pivotal and foundational sermon, the Sermon of the Mount.

Jesus had assembled his disciples and found a place to speak to the crowd.

On a small mountain plateau near Capernaum.

In Matthew’s view, the Messiah comes to give Jesus’ definitive interpretation of the Torah (The Law) that was received at Mount Sinai.

Jesus does not annul the Mosaic law but shows how the law comes to be fulfilled.

We all desire happiness but we often “seek it where it is not to be found.” – John Wesley ENNT

Jesus shines a light on where his disciples can find ultimate happiness.

Happiness in the Hebrew Scriptures is derived from a right relationship with God.

We might as what is “right relationship with God?”

Jesus starts this sermon with the Beatitudes.

Are these warnings or entrance requirements for Jesus’ disciples?

Defining what makes a disciple of Jesus Christ most “Blessed” or most Happy or Content; the ultimate hope and character of those who would call themselves disciples of Jesus Christ.

The word makarioiused in greek, translated as “Blessed” could be also understood as an expression of Congratulations or being Fortunate, implying an attitude of happiness or a sense of gratitude.

This what John Wesley called “a sweet invitation to true happiness and holiness” and “a sure mark of the true way”– ENNT

We should see these as eschatological grace and implicit commands (how his disciples should respond in the present).

What God will do in the future, and how his disciples should respond in the present.

Poor in spirit – convinced that sin is in their nature yet, they want to do better.

Humble dependence upon God’s grace.

The kingdom of heaven is their inheritance:

Present inward kingdom: righteous, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit

They that mourn – either for their own sins or for another’s, or a loss (of life or spirit)

They will be comforted both now, in some measure in various ways, and eternally in heaven.

The meek – holding their passions and affections in balance; fair in their judgments.

Seeking equity in all circumstance.

They will inherit the earth – now, they will be given everything necessary for life and holiness (love of God and others), they will be joyfully content with whatever God provides them, and in eternity rule over the new earth as inheritors.

They hunger and thirst for righteousness – desire to do the right thing; the things that please God.

They will be satisfied – they will be made righteous; they will please God.

The merciful – tender-hearted; loving all others as they love themselves.

They will attain mercy – they will find mercy from God in abundance.

The pure in heart – sanctified; made full in love of God and all others.

Having sought repentance from sin now, and being perfected from sin for eternity.

The will see God – now, in all things, and later, when God makes everything good.

The Peace-Makers

– out of love for God, do all possible good to others; those who seek rest and renewal for all people and put that desire to action, for this is love.

They will be called children of God – so recognized by God.

However, since not all people will honor those who pursue righteousness, they will often be persecuted.

By their very nature lived in righteousness, results in others feeling the weight of their sinfulness, and often results in jealousy, slander, and physical harm.

Even while others treat them with disdain and persecute them, Jesus said they will find happiness and holiness in their life with God.

The text from Micah is a summation of God’s desire of those who would call themselves God’s people.

(An entrance liturgy for those entering the temple while on pilgrimage)

Moves from what to whom.

First question: “With what shall I come before the Lord?”

Second question: “What is it that God wants?”

Expected answers could have been “burnt offerings” of whole animals, or perfume and oil offering (a pleasing smell) – symbolic religious imagery

To do justly: treat all others with equality and equity; without favor.

To love mercy: to be kind, merciful, and compassionate; without severity.

Walk humbly with God: constant fellowship with God with humility and holiness of faith.

These could be seen as “Actions and Attitudes of the Spirit,” or the “Fruit of the Spirit” made real in the disciples.

These are all given by the Spirit of God AND they are required of all of Jesus’ disciples.

In light of the culture of violence, injustice, and apathy apparent in our culture, we as disciple of Jesus Christ are called to:

recognize our utter reliance upon God,

mourn loss of life and peace,

seek equitable justice,

desire always to do right,

be merciful,

fully love God and others, wanting God’s will to be done,

seek peace and do peace for all to find rest.

By this, the world might come to know God through us.

Ultimately, all of this will only come to fulfillment when Jesus Christ returns.

So, we say:

Come, Lord Jesus,

Quickly!!!