1. Blessed are the poor in spirit (1-3)

The multitudes of suffering people needed shepherds like Jesus. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside with his disciples and began to teach them. He taught them the Sermon on the Mount--the 'Constitution of the Kingdom of Heaven' (Mt 5-7). Matthew 5:1-10 are the Beatitudes. The Sermon on the Mount is a description of Jesus' own character and his personal life principles. The poor in spirit are those who know their spiritual poverty and are eager to learn. They know that they need Jesus' Spirit. The kingdom of heaven is promised to disciples like these.

2. Blessed are those who mourn (4)

Those who know the taste of sorrow can also know the joy of God's comfort. Those who have never been sorry for their sins or repented of the things that make God sorry can never know the depth of God's love and comfort.

Application: Lord, I need your Spirit. Give me a compassionate heart like yours so that I may share in your suffering and share in your comfort and joy.
One Word: For theirs is the kingdom