“The Heart of Jesus”

Main point: Jesus shows us the culture of the kingdom of God.

Introduction

This teaching from Jesus is recognized the world over by Christians and non-Christians alike for their positive spiritual potency. 

Last week we listened to the first public message of Jesus. He said, “Repent! For the kingdom of heaven has come near.” And to those who would listen to his message, I imagine the next question was this: So what is the kingdom of heaven like? And Jesus says, “I'm so glad you asked. There's nothing I like to talk about more.”

I confess I share the same excitement as Jesus when looking at today's gospel. For the last several days my recurring thought has been, I just can't wait to preach this text. So let's begin.

Here, in the beatitudes, Jesus invites us into a renewed way of being. It may be different than what we're used to. It may be different than what we think might “work” to get us what we think is best for us. It might require us to consider ourselves citizens of a heavenly kingdom over and above citizens of whatever place we live in during this life. But this invitation to a renewed way of being as citizens of a heavenly kingdom is in line with the heart of God. And when we are close to the heart of God, we are blessed.

It is that heart - the very heart of God - that Jesus shares with us today. 

Blessed

It begins with the word “blessed.” Blessed or blessedness is the state of perfect harmony. When everything is in its proper place and working correctly. And that includes you and me. It means you and I have aligned ourselves with God, others, and creation in such a way that you are experiencing God's blessing. 

Here we find the highest teachings of Jesus to show us the environment of that blessedness. Father Romsey Adcock, Anglican Priest who was of Jordanian descent, but born in England, called the beatitudes a “Guide for new residence” in a homeland closer to our hearts than any other place we could belong. It's a calling to renounce our former citizenship and embrace our true home in the heart of God. But to embrace this new homeland we may need to learn a new language, new customs, and new behaviors - indeed an entirely new culture - if we are going to embrace our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven.

A Heavenly Country

Today, as we are introduced, or at least reacquainted, with the terrain of this heavenly country, allow me to act as your tour guide. Notice the mountains, valleys, and rivers. Admire the open plains, rolling hills, grassy meadows. Enjoy the cloud formations and gorgeous sunsets. This is a heavenly country and we need to adjust our vision to take it all in.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he began to speak and taught them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

What does it mean to be poor in spirit? This is humility. This is the opposite of arrogance, self-aggrandizement, and pride.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

What does it mean to be one who mourns? This is when the conditions of this world cause your heart to hurt. When it hurts. When youre at a loss for words. When there are no words but words of pain. When you lament. When the painful passages in the psalms make sense. This is the condition of those who mourn.

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

What does it mean to be meek? First, meekness is not weakness. Meekness is power under control. It is power that is content with itself. It doesn’t need the affirmation of others. It doesn’t need to be displayed or affirmed, because it is already affirmed by the One who sees everything.