Matthew 5:1-11 1. We left Hebrews 11 with these lines: Hebrews 11:10–16 1. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 1. Illustration: I brought you all gifts, but you can only look at them, you cannot have them…YET. 1. Anticipation of the Kingdom and Messiah: Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!” 1. 1. We are far removed and so we don’t feel the desperation that Israel felt.  2. Under Roman occupation the Hebrew people wanted a deliverer 1. and many claimed to be that, but were not.   3. They ask John if he is the Messiah. Luke 3:15 2. Then there’s Jesus   1. Miraculously a virgin gives birth (Matthew 1-2) 2. He has an odd cousin   3. Miracle at His baptism Matthew 3:13–17   4. ...Then Jesus disappears for 40 days.  5. When they see him again he is preaching the same message as John, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near” 6. He then calls twelve castoffs to be His disciples.  3. The anticipation builds up   1. Were the people fascinated or scared or a bit of both?  1. The religious leaders were skeptical  2. The poor were hopeful  4. Matthew 21:12–14, John 2:15–17 2. The Sermon on the Mount: “I’ve got some good new and some bad news” 1. This is the greatest sermon ever preached 2. Its also maybe the strangest 1. 1. For the broken, sad, weak, starving, and persecuted it is good news.  2. For those who surround themselves with their own adequacy and self righteousness, it is bad news.   2. In other words, for those dwelling in the city of man Jesus' sermon is a confrontation, and for those who live in the city of God, His words are a great comfort.  1. The Kingdom you have been anticipating...Its REAL, BUT its not going to come the way you think, and its not going to come to whom you think. 1. Remember those presents I wrapped for you? 1. Now you get to have one... 2. But to unwrap this gift you cant use your hands 1.it may be uncomfortable or even awkward, but it is worth it. 2. There is a great anticipation for this Kingdom Jesus is going to talk about, but when He starts to talk about it, He shares things we don't expect. 1. He challenges our expectations of the Kingdom life Books: “Jesus Through Middles Eastern Eyes” Kenneth Bailey https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Through-Middle-Eastern-Eyes/dp/0830825681 “Joy Comes in the Morning” David Johnson. https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Comes-Mourning-Blessings-Disguise/dp/0875097448/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1FDQ1OAV9U042&keywords=joy+comes+in+the+mourning&qid=1650867210&s=books&sprefix=joy+comes+in+the+mourning%2Cstripbooks%2C134&sr=1-5  #youthministry #biblestudy #youthgroup