The Jesus Way of Living
Introduction:
We know that the Beatitudes offered by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount are highly significant for our life today. But have you ever realized that the people who are blessed—the poor, the hungry, the griefstricken, the hated (due to association with Jesus)—were people in the very crowd to whom Jesus had ministered? Have you ever read the Beatitudes in light of “God’s rule being available to everyone through reliance upon Jesus himself” (Willard 1998, 116)?
Tasks:
In 200–300 words, post to the Discussion Area your response to the question below.
How does seeing the Beatitudes in light of being addressed to the crowds and in light of God’s rule being available to everyone impact (a) your spiritual life and (b) the message you offer to your ministry constituents?