The Beatitudes

Intro: #Blessed, “I am too blessed to be stressed”

Illustration: My friend’s catchphrase was “I am too blessed to be stressed.” He had a fairly easy life, raised in a good, wealthy family.. So his view was

“I am not going to be stressed because God blessed me with a lot and i just need focus on the good stuff I have. However, one day divorce papers were in the table, dad lost his job and life spiraled. You know what happened? “He was too stressed to care about his blessings”

His idea of a blessed life was dependent on his possesions and not on God.

What does it mean to live a blessed life? Is it living a life of riches, fame and happiness? That might be what our culture advocates for, but is it what Jesus portrays?

My main point tonight is that: Jesus blesses those who acknowledge their weakness and depend upon him as their strength.

I. The Blessed Life

a. Those who are Poor— Kingdom of God

a. Those who are Hungry— Satisfied

a. Those who Weep— Laugh

B. Those who are Hated— Great Reward in Heaven

**Context: During the early church, the disciples of Jesus were rejected from their communities and families, accused of evil things, beaten, thrown in jail and put to death. There was a great price for being a Christian!

In our text there are 2 people being described

The Christian and the Non-Christian why do I say that? V22

Put yourself in the shoes of the early Christians

---You were poor, hungry, rejected which is sad, and hated! They would have received much encouragement. Jesus tells them

No, you are Rich, the kingdom of heaven is yours! They might have abundance, but you have a hope that can never be taken away!

—You are Satisfied, I will care for you as I care for the birds of the hair, you are mine!

— You might weep because you have been rejected by your friends and family, but I will never leave you! I will never forsake you! You will laugh again and that laughter no one will take away!

— You might be hated, people might mock you for being a christian and call you names because of me, but you will have a reward that n one can take away!

Friends, if this is you, Christ is inviting you to rest upon him. I am sure many of you might feel exhausted by the waves of life. Remember,

Jesus blesses those who acknowledge their weakness and depend upon him as their strength.

II. The Dreadful Life

a. Those who are Rich— Received consolation

b. Those who are Full— Hunger

c. Those who Laugh— Mourn and Weep

d. Those who are Loved— False prophets, illegitimate children.

---Jesus addresses the rich oppressors and reviled his people Jesus tells them

You are Rich now, but you will be poor! The kingdom of heaven is NOT yours! You might have abundance, but it will all will be taken away!

— You might laugh now, but you will weep and your teeth will Nash and will receive the justice that is due to you.

— You might be loved by others now, but that is the only love that you have chosen and the only love and happiness you will ever have. You may have the world, but you have forfeited your soul.

Jesus though he was rich, became poor, though he deserved honor and glory was reviled, and rejected for you!