Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:1-3 (ESV).
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) contains Jesus’ teachings on virtually every aspect of life with God and each other. In each lesson we get a picture of how things are different in the Kingdom of God than what we have allowed to happen on earth. He wants us to realize we have choices beyond the things we see here.
He begins with a statement about how those who know they need God are blessed. Too often we trust in the three P’s – power, position and possessions. Jesus tells us that none of these can save us from our sin because these are temporary, human created things. Only by recognizing our need for Him and asking His forgiveness can we enter God’s Kingdom.
Jesus has much more to teach us about how we interact with God and each other, and in almost every case it is the exact opposite of what we find in the world. This upside-down kingdom confuses those who put their trust in things, but for those who believe in Christ’s power and love, it is salvation. We trust His promise of an eternal place for us with Him.
Loving Lord, we are ashamed of our failure to love one another as You taught us. Forgive us and send us to all who need to hear the Good News of Your Kingdom. Amen.
