1. Jesus' audience (1-2)

Those who came or were brought to Jesus were not the elite of society but the sick, marginalized, and demon possessed. Jesus' own disciples included fishermen whose livelihoods depended on the whims of nature, a tax collector who sold his dignity to the Roman oppressors, an angry political radical, and others. Those who followed Jesus were the people whom Jesus loved and who needed to know that God's love doesn't depend on human standards. As Jesus began his Sermon on the Mount, he spoke to people such as these.

2. Blessed are you (3-12)

Jesus understood the sorrow, yearning, hunger, and injustice that the people were feeling. He didn't, however, point blame or have pity. Instead, Jesus said they are blessed. To be blessed is not something to attain by our efforts, but it is a realization given by God. Even in our struggles and longings, God is with us and will indeed fulfill our hope for justice, righteousness, and kingdom glory.


Application: Lord, I repent of my privilege and complacency. May I experience the blessed hunger and thirst for righteousness that sees your kingdom come, even amid pains.
One Word: You are blessed