You may already possess a similar appreciation for this important section of scripture.  In proverbial eloquence, Jesus uses these few short statements to challenge our perception of reality as it relates to heaven and earth, and to cause us to think about the insurgence of His kingdom here.  In fact, before we examine the Beatitudes, we will spend some time painting the bigger picture He had in mind.  While Jesus’ words convict us on a personal level, they also lay a foundation for our corporate kingdom citizenship.  Just as it matters how we produce food for a hungry world, we must also understand the environment in which these spiritual truths were intended to function.

Our goal is to represent Jesus in the purest sense, and although it is unrealistic to think we will do so all of the time and in every way, He has nevertheless considered us capable of pursuing this purpose.  The possibility our world might see Him as He is depends on our willingness to let Him permeate our being.

Blessed are we if we hear and understand, and a blessing we will be to others.  But first, we must catch a panoramic glimpse of the kingdom.  We must also pour out the contents of our hearts and eliminate anything that obscures the glory of our Lord who is remaking us from the inside out.

“Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them” (Matthew 5:1-2).  Have a seat with Jesus and listen now.  The time you spend with Him on the mountain might help you see Him as never before.  And once you do, you will never be the same.