Luke 19:37-42

Jesus announces that people of the kingdom are people who mourn. But what does that mean? The mourners are those who have caught a glimpse of God’s new day, who ache with all their being for that day’s coming, and who break out into tears when confronted with its absence. The mourners are aching visionaries.

Blessed means not just happy, it means God is on your side. Every other religion asks the question, “what good thing must I do to be blessed?” Jesus is announcing, “blessed are those who there is no reason why they should be blessed!” The favor of God is now pouring down on all the people who do not deserve the favor of God.

After defeating the enemy, conquering death and finally overcoming his greatest personal challenge, the Hero is ultimately transformed into a new state. He returns home bringing a new hope to those he left behind.

The final battle represents something far greater than the hero's own existence. Its outcome will have far-reaching consequences to his ordinary world and the lives of those he left behind. Ultimately the Hero will succeed, destroy his enemy and emerge from battle reborn.

The great ordeal may be a dangerous physical test or a deep inner crisis that the hero must face in order to survive or for the world in which the hero lives to continue to exist. Whether it be facing his greatest fear or most deadly foe, the Hero must draw upon all of his strength in order to overcome this most difficult challenge.

Now out of his comfort zone the hero is confronted with an ever more difficult series of challenges that test him in a variety of ways. Every obstacle that he faces helps us gain a deeper insight into his character and ultimately identify with him even more. Jesus second obstacle is the temptation to be spectacular.

Now out of his comfort zone the hero is confronted with an ever more difficult series of challenges that test him in a variety of ways. Every obstacle that he faces helps us gain a deeper insight into his character and ultimately identify with him even more. Jesus' third obstacle is the temptation to be powerful.

Now out of his comfort zone the hero is confronted with an ever more difficult series of challenges that test him in a variety of ways. Every obstacle that he faces helps us gain a deeper insight into his character and ultimately identify with him even more. Jesus first obstacle is the temptation to be relevant.

The hero acts upon his call to adventure and begin his quest, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional. He crosses the threshold between the world he is familiar with an d that which he is not. However the threshold presents itself, this action signifies the hero's commitment to his journey and whatever it may have in store for him.

The hero's adventure begins when he receives a call to action, such as a direct threat to his safety, his family or his world. Whatever the call is, it ultimately disrupts the peace of the hero's world and presents a challenge or quest that must be undertaken.