Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5:3                   
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.  Luke 6:20

This Sunday, we continue our “Following Jesus from A-Z” sermon series by exploring what it truly means to be blessed. The world tells us that blessing looks like wealth, success, and ease—but Jesus turns that idea upside down. In both the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-26), Jesus proclaims that blessing is found in humility, mercy, justice, and a heart open to God’s kingdom.

Matthew’s version of the Beatitudes presents a vision of discipleship that is deeply spiritual, emphasizing attitudes of the heart, poverty of spirit, a hunger for righteousness, and the call to be peacemakers. Luke’s version, however, is strikingly direct, addressing economic and social realities. And while Matthew speaks only of blessings, Luke adds a series of warnings. Together, these passages remind us that God’s blessing is not about status or wealth, but about trust in God’s justice and mercy.

Recognizing the truly blessed means seeing the world as Jesus sees it. The blessed are not just those who have much, but those who know their need for God. The blessed are not just those who laugh, but those who weep and are met with compassion. The blessed are those who hunger, not just for daily bread but for righteousness.

And if we are to follow Jesus, we are called to stand alongside them and one another for the gospels make it clear that nobody is exempt from being God’s beloved. This means caring for the poor, comforting the grieving, working for justice, and embodying mercy in a world that often prizes power over grace. When we do so we are extending the blessing of God as followers of Jesus.

I look forward to worshipping with you in person or on YouTube this Sunday. Don’t forget to come back at 3:00pm for the Monday Players in concert in Cobbs Hall!