Kiingdom of Blessing

Perspective really does change things. Pastor Jeremy used to tell me all the time, “Perspective is 90% of reality.” That might seem a little negative, but it isn’t always. Sometimes a shift in perspective opens a whole new realm of possibilities.

Take the Sermon on the Mount. Arguably one of Jesus most well-known teachings. But to really understand the weight of what Jesus is saying and doing we need some context. Perspective.

Let’s go to the end of Matthew chapter 4:23.

23Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 24News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. 25Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.

So, who was following Jesus? The crowd, right? But what type of people made up the crowd? The broken, hurting, sick, troubled, mentally ill. All the people society didn’t want, that’s who were following Jesus.

Now this was during Roman rule, and those guys didn’t mess around. It was a cold, cutthroat, survival of the fittest culture. So these people were outcasts from society at best, but most looked at them as something less than human. They had been treated horribly their entire lives. Now this guy comes along healing, freeing, loving, caring for them. They would follow Him anywhere. He goes up a mountain, and they are probably expecting Him to declare war on Rome or tell them how horrible the oppressors are. But Jesus never really does what. We expect, does He?

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jesus does what no one has ever done. He speaks to them where they are and tells them they are blessed. Why? They are the first to receive the invitation to the Kingdom of God! Jesus did the unexpected. He told people, “You are broken and poor and hurting, but you are blessed.” “Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? The desire inside of you will be fulfilled in the Kingdom. In Me!!!”

Have you ever felt lost or small or insignificant? Have you fought to change that? Did you ever think maybe that is where God is going to show up in the biggest way? Jesus will meet you where you are. He loves you enough to come to you. To pass by all the wealth and influence and power and greatness to come to you. Because HE isn’t impressed by all that.

He’s also not telling us to strive to be these things. Jesus isn’t telling us to go out and mourn and hunger and thirst. He’s saying, “in the midst of these bad circumstances you are in, I will bless you. I will bring the kingdom to you!”

Where do you need the Kingdom of Blessing to show up in your life? Is there a situation where you feel spiritually poor? Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness and justice in a cause? Do you feel like and outcast? Pushed to the margin?

Here the great thing about all of this. Jesus didn’t start preaching our teaching until He met the physical need!!! These people came open and honest about their needs to Jesus, and He met them there before ever teaching them. That’s how much Jesus loves you.

Questions:

Where do you need to be honest with Jesus?

Which of the “Blessed are..” do you most identify with? Why?