12 Scriptures - Matthew 5:1-12 sermon preview

Our formative scripture for this week is Matthew 5:1-12.  These are the first 12 verses of Jesus' 3 chapter Sermon on the Mount and the first of three weeks in which our passage for the week comes from the Sermon on the Mount.  This seems very fitting considering how formative the Sermon on the Mount has been to Anabaptist/Mennonite Christians throughout the years.  And yet it seems to me that we continue to be challenged by Jesus teaching in these three chapters and these opening verses in particular.

Matthew 5:1-12 is often referred to as the Beatitudes.  They are called the Beatitudes because that is Latin for "Blessed" or "Blessedness," a word that is repeatedly used in these verses.  But as I reflect on these verses, it seems to me that in order for us to truly live into them, we need to adjust our attitudes.  We need to change our attitudes to understand the blessing in these circumstances and we need to "be these attitudes" as we live out our lives under difficult circumstances.

From this, it seems that there a number of lessons for us today.  First, the kingdom of heaven is for those in need, not those who have achieved.  The blessedness in the beatitudes goes to those who are struggling.  Second, we are called to live into an upside down kingdom.  The kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit and the persecuted not the rich and the powerful.  Third, we will receive resistance for living this way.  Jesus ends this portion by shifting from "blesssed are those" to "blessed are you" and names that we will receive resistance for following the way of Jesus.

As such it seems to me that we should check our attitude.  When we encounter difficult circumstances, how much of the problem stems from approaching it with the wrong attitude?  We should act in support.  Some times the way that we change our attitude, especially when things do not go the way that we wish, is to live into a new attitude by acting in support of that which was not our preference.  And we should look for the blessing in the trial.  Difficult times will come and yet within the beatitudes is a promise that there is blessing as well, but we often have to be intentional about looking for that blessing.

As you consider the message of Matthew 5:1-12, reflect on these questions in a time of silence, through journaling or in group dialogue.

1. What do the beatitudes mean to you as a follower of Jesus?

2. Which beatitude do you identify with the most?

3. Which beatitude is the greatest challenge to you in your faith journey?

4. How is God calling you to live more deeply into the beatitudes in the week ahead?

5. How might God be calling our congregation to be more deeply formed by the beatitudes?

May Jesus richly bless you in this week ahead, leading you in His kingdom purposes. Amen