Fall 2023 Sermon Series:

PARADOX MANIFESTO
The Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew

Christ’s Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes, a paradox manifesto declaring that apprenticeship to the way of Jesus is not only different from the way of this world, but actually promises that which our world thinks is impossible.

In the beatitudes we find, not commands, but surprising statements of reality; and within them, an invitation from Jesus to become his apprentice. In the beatitudes, Jesus says to his disciples (and to us), “Here is the counterintuitive news about how life works in my reality. Now, would you like to learn how to live like this?”

Our hope is that, as we explore each beatitude together, we will not only grow deeper in our understanding of the way of Jesus, but deeper in our practice. May we become not only astute believers, but faithful apprentices.

Matthew 5:1-12

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.

He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
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.”