Upside Down Kingdom
Pt. 1 Beatitudes #1-3
Matthew 5:1-5

Blessed are the poor in SPIRIT
In his first year of ministry, Jesus travelled Israel calling people to repentance by preaching the Gospel message (Matt. 4:17). Along with powerful preaching, he healed people and drove out demons, showing his messianic credentials. He became massively popular with both Jews and Gentiles. Gathering his disciples (Gr. mathētēs, ‘pupil, learner’) and a crowd of thousands on the hillside, he taught them about living in the Kingdom of God. God’s Kingdom requires different attitudes and actions! Instead of referencing the Law of Moses, Jesus gave his rules and standards as the authority on living for God. Firstly, those blessed (Gr. makarios, ‘state of well-being’) by God are those poor in spirit (Gr. ptōchoi pneumati, ‘spiritual beggars’). This meant that as the poor know their helpless position of financial desperation, so too Kingdom citizens know their spiritual desperation and need of God’s mercy and grace to belong to Him. Living in God’s Kingdom is an understanding of our spiritual bankruptcy and God’s spiritual wealth (Mark 10:15; John 3:3)!

Blessed are those who MOURN
The awareness of being spiritual beggars leads to Kingdom citizens mourning (Gr. penthountes, ‘to lament, feel guilt’) at the state of their lostness, brokenness, and rebellion against God. But, they can also experience blessedness when they mourn as they know the good heart of their gracious God (Luke 18:9-14). Our hearts should break for the things that break God’s heart! Instead of judgment and punishment, a repentant heart receives comfort (Gr. parakaleō, ‘to call alongside, encourage’) from God. God’s heart is to encourage our hearts that we’re loved and forgiven!

Blessed are the MEEK
As the Jews were very concerned with controlling their land, there were various uprisings and a sense of agitation with Rome. But, instead of self-assertion, anger, and anxiety, Kingdom citizens should be known for being meek (Gr. praus, ‘emotional control, mildness of disposition’) because they trust God. Believers can live in control because they know their God is! As God owns everything, believers will inherit (Gr. klēronomeō, ‘to receive a possession’) the land He promised. God makes good on His promises to His children!