Meeting Jesus · Day 8 of 14
A different kind of blessing
Today's reading: Matthew 5:1-16
1Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2He opened his mouth and taught them, saying, 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. 10Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 11“Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. 14“You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (WEB), public domain.
Reflection
The Sermon on the Mount begins with a list that sounds backwards. Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and the persecuted. Where the world rewards the strong, the loud and the successful, Jesus blesses the humble, the grieving and the overlooked.
He is describing life in God's kingdom. People who know they need God are the ones who find him. Those who mourn will be comforted, and the merciful will receive mercy.
Then he tells his listeners they are salt and light. They shouldn't hide. They should live so that people notice and give glory to God. The blessing comes first, and the calling follows from it.
Prayer
Jesus, teach me to value what you value, and let my life show something of your kingdom.
Something to think about
Which of these blessings speaks most to where you are right now?
Draft, needs review by pastoral advisors.