Matthew 5:1-26

The Blessed

Basic values which we adopt and live by....Jesus’ points are showing us that the values of this world do not lead to blessings. Instead blessing comes through living by values which the world hates.

For those who are blessed the kingdom of God is theirs… Are you thinking in terms that the kingdom is a place? Most people do think this way. Many commentaries speak to the kingdom to come when Christ returns and he rules in Zion. However, look at the proclamation from both John and Jesus - “the kingdom is near( or at hand)”, so this would mean what then if it wasn’t referring to a place? Later we shall also see that Jesus teaches his disciples to pray and say “your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. So this kingdom must mean something more than a place. i think the kingdom is referring to actions, divine actions when God himself breaks into our world and acts. Jesus is teaching his disciples to look to God to act on this earth just as he acts in heaven and to bring His will to completion.

On another note Jesus was also announcing that the kingdom had arrived in the very personal way of Jesus on earth. God had indeed acted in human affairs to bring them closer to the final gift of deliverance and to live under his dominion.

Now back to the Beatitudes. It is difficult to live in this world, this is the reason Jesus explains to his listeners what living as a citizen of heaven’s kingdom involves.

What does it mean to you to be living in the kingdom?

Are these beatitudes familiar to you

We admire the world’s beautiful people, we have sports heroes, and we have idolized Hollywood actors. People who live set apart and hold to Jesus’ values are often ridiculed at the least and killed at the worst for their holy living.

2 For each of Jesus’ values list 1-2 world values that contradict them

a. are poor in spirit self-confident, competent, self-reliant

b. are mournful pleasure seeking, hedonistic, the beautiful people

c. are meek proud, powerful, important

d. hunger for righteousness satisfied, practical, “well- adjusted”

e. are merciful self-righteous, able to care for themselves

f. are pure in heart they “adult” it, broad-minded, sophisticated and worldly

g. are peacemakers competitive and aggressive, argumentative

h. are persecuted because of righteousness - adaptable, popular, and don’t rock the boat.

We must approach life with humility, and full reliance on our King. We need to open up our lives to his direction and will.

3. What does it mean to you to commit to kingdom values?

Blessed are those who do not approach life with confidence in themselves or reliance on their gifts and talents to meet life’s challenges. Blessed are those who are not “self” based but instead are Christ based.