Kingdom Character

Good morning, church! As we close our series, "Seek First the Kingdom," we turn to one of the most well-known and foundational passages of Scripture: the Beatitudes. These words of Jesus describe what it means to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom. They outline values that challenge the status quo, offering a countercultural vision for life.

The world says, “Blessed are the rich, the strong, and the powerful.” But Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, and the merciful.” The Beatitudes flip the world’s values upside-down and call us to live in ways that reflect Christ’s character. Today we will explore how these Kingdom values challenge the world and transform us into "Jesus Humans."

Jesus opens His sermon on the mount with eight paradoxical blessings that seem completely contrary to worldly wisdom.

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

To be poor in spirit means recognizing our spiritual poverty before God. It’s admitting, “I am spiritually bankrupt. I have nothing to offer God on my own.” In contrast, the world celebrates self-sufficiency and independence. People say, “I can do it on my own,” but Jesus says, “Blessed are those who admit they can’t.”

Think of the tax collector in Luke 18:13 who prayed, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” He came to God with empty hands, and Jesus said he went home justified. When we humble ourselves, God gives us the riches of His Kingdom. This is the foundation for every other Beatitude. You can’t receive the Kingdom until you recognize your need for God.

2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

This isn’t just mourning over the loss of a loved one—it’s mourning over sin. It’s feeling deep grief over the brokenness in our lives, in others, and in the world. In today’s culture, people distract themselves from pain or laugh off sin. But Kingdom citizens mourn over what grieves the heart of God.

Ezra mourned and wept when he saw the sin of God’s people (Ezra 9:3). Jesus Himself wept over the brokenness of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). The promise is that God will bring comfort—both now and ultimately in eternity. Revelation 21:4 assures us that God will wipe every tear from our eyes.

3. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Meekness is not weakness. It is strength under control. It’s a posture of humility and submission to God, even when we have the power to assert ourselves. The world says, “Assert your dominance, climb the ladder, and demand your rights.” But Jesus calls us to trust God’s sovereignty and show gentleness.

Think of Moses, described as “very meek” (Numbers 12:3). He led with great authority, but he always depended on God, not his own strength. The meek may look like they’re losing in the world’s eyes, but they will inherit the earth—God’s ultimate promise to His children.

4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

This is about craving God’s righteousness—a deep desire to see God’s justice, holiness, and goodness prevail in the world and in our hearts. The world hungers for wealth, pleasure, and power, but these things never satisfy. Only God can fill the emptiness in our souls.

Think of the prodigal son in Luke 15. He pursued worldly pleasures but found himself starving. When he returned to his father, he was fully satisfied. When we hunger for God’s will and righteousness, He promises to satisfy us—both now and forever.

5. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Mercy means showing compassion, forgiveness, and kindness to others—especially when they don’t deserve it. In a culture that glorifies revenge and holding grudges, mercy is radical. But Kingdom citizens are merciful because we’ve received God’s mercy.

Think of the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35). The servant who was forgiven a massive debt refused to forgive a small debt owed to him. Jesus warns us not to forget the mercy we’ve been shown. When we show mercy, we reflect God’s heart, and He promises to pour out His mercy on us.

6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Purity of heart means having undivided devotion to God—a life free from hypocrisy, deceit, and sin. In a world obsessed with appearances and performance, Jesus calls us to focus on the condition of our hearts.

A pure heart is like a clean window—when it’s clear, we can see God more fully. But when it’s dirty with sin, our vision of God is clouded. The promise is breathtaking: we will see God. This is both a present reality (as we experience God’s presence now) and an eternal promise.

7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Peacemaking is more than avoiding conflict. It’s actively seeking to bring reconciliation—between people and between humanity and God. In a divided world, peacemaking is one of the most countercultural acts we can engage in. It’s hard work, but it reflects the heart of our Father, the ultimate peacemaker.

Think of Jesus, who made peace between us and God through His blood on the cross (Colossians 1:20). When we act as peacemakers, we reflect God’s character, and the world recognizes us as His children.

8. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Living as a Kingdom citizen often puts us at odds with the world. When we stand for truth, justice, and righteousness, we will face opposition.

Think of the early Christians who were persecuted for their faith, or believers today who face imprisonment and even death for following Jesus. The promise? Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Persecution reminds us that this world is not our home, and God will reward those who remain faithful.

2. Kingdom Influence

The Beatitudes don’t just describe individual blessings; they shape how we live in community. When we embody these values—humility, mercy, purity, and peace—we transform the world around us. Jesus calls us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), preserving what is good and shining God’s truth in a dark world.

3. Reflecting Jesus: Becoming a "Jesus Human"

Leonard Sweet describes Christians as “Jesus Humans”—people who embody Christ’s character.

Each Beatitude reflects a quality of Jesus:

Jesus was poor in spirit, humbling Himself to the point of death.

He mourned over sin and wept over Jerusalem.

He was meek, choosing submission to the Father over asserting His power.

He hungered for righteousness, perfectly obeying God’s will.

He showed mercy to sinners, forgave His enemies, and healed the broken.

He was pure in heart, undivided in His love for the Father.

He was the ultimate peacemaker, reconciling us to God through the cross.

And He was persecuted—even to death—for our sake.

When we live out the Beatitudes, we reflect Jesus to the world.

Which Beatitude speaks to you today?

Do you need to show more mercy?

Do you need to hunger more for righteousness?

Do you need to embrace meekness or mourn over sin?

Choose one Beatitude as your personal focus for 2025. Let it guide your prayers, attitudes, and actions this year.

Conclusion

The Beatitudes are not just lofty ideals; they are a picture of what every Kingdom citizen is called to be. They describe the character of Jesus and invite us to reflect Him to the world.

Jesus ended the Sermon on the Mount with this challenge: "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Will you build your life on the rock of Kingdom values? Will you live as a citizen of God’s upside-down Kingdom in 2025?

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of Your Kingdom. Transform us by Your Spirit so we can live out the Beatitudes and reflect Jesus to the world. As we step into 2025, may we hunger for righteousness, show mercy, pursue peace, and humbly depend on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.