
The Backroads to Blessing
The Jesus Way
January 9, 2022
Jesus is speaking to those who are already his disciples.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. —Matthew 5:1-2
Christ is saying nothing in this sermon about how we become Christians, but only about the works and fruit that no one can do unless he already is a Christian and in a state of grace. —Martin Luther
The Sermon on the Mount describes the kind of people followers of Jesus are called to be.
Blessed = happy, fortunate, the privileged recipient of God’s favor.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 5:3
I have
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. —Matthew 5:4
I am
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. —Matthew 5:5
My “
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. —Matthew 5:6
I want
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. —Matthew 5:7
I will freely give what I have
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. —Matthew 5:8
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully. —Psalm 24:3-4- I want to be the
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. —Matthew 5:9
I want to help
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. —Matthew 5:10-12
I will