A confession.
I’ve never liked the Beatitudes.
The ‘Blessed’ statements in what is known as the Sermon on the Mount are considered some of Jesus’ most radical and meaningful teaching.
You know –
Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.
The poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are persecuted and spit upon.
Jesus, they are so negative.
Come on, who are you mad at? Did you get picked last for the backyard football game?
And I’m going to teach these on Super Bowl Sunday?
Yes, I’ve just begun a new message series, At Hand: Jesus’ Teaching on Living Well, beginning with Matthew 5:1-12 this week.
Jesus had just announced that the availability of God’s kingdom was now open. And he begins by describing who is well off and prepared to receive it.
Why did Jesus start with these ‘blessings’?
Do they represent a new To Do List for people who want to be good?
Does God like us best when we’re miserable?
What’s the good news about the Beatitudes?
I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t want to be ‘blessed.’
Let’s follow Jesus up to the mountain to see what he has to say.
This Sunday.