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Read: Matthew 5
Listen: Matthew 5

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

Jesus begins his ministry and attracts a crowd. Matthew spends four chapters telling the reader who Jesus is and why they should pay attention to his words. Matthew is clearly presenting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, but he’s different than expected. As the crowd grows, Jesus goes to a mountainside and delivers what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. It’s Jesus’s core message, not about rules or earning God’s favor, but about the kind of heart God wants his followers to cultivate. Jesus starts by discussing who is blessed. He tells them the good news means they can be blessed no matter their circumstances. Blessing is not for those with power but for the meek and poor in spirit. This is an unexpected, revolutionary concept in their world. Jesus redefines what it means to be blessed in his kingdom.

Jesus’s message was revolutionary in the first century and is still revolutionary for us. Our skeptical world often sees “religion” as a negative influence. However, our attitudes can help shape how the world views the church and Jesus himself. Our attitudes flow directly from a relationship with God and living a life reliant on the Spirit. If we cultivate humble hearts, we will stand out from the world, and others will want to experience the blessing of following Jesus.

TODAY: Consider the type of kingdom Jesus came to build. It isn’t a kingdom of political power or earning God’s favor, but a kingdom of love and mercy. Consider using Matthew 5:3-10 as a prayer to thank God for the Bible and how we can learn more about what it means to follow Jesus.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Nehemiah 9. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note the recounting of God’s faithfulness. Consider how Jesus ultimately demonstrates God’s faithfulness (2 Corinthians 1:20).