Kevin Alan Wells

When Jesus saw a large crowd gathering around him, he made his way to the side of a nearby mountain and started to climb it. A little ways up, he reached the top of a small plateau where he sat down and looked out over the people. At the sight of this, the crowds gathered even closer to him. Then he began to teach them:

“Favored are the poor in spirit. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

Favored are those who mourn. They will be comforted.

Favored are the meek. They will inherit Earth.

Favored are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. They will be satisfied.

Favored are the merciful. They will be shown mercy.

Favored are the pure in heart. They will see God.

Favored are the peacemakers. They will be called sons and daughters of God.

Favored are those who suffer persecution for the sake of righteousness. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

You become one of God’s favorite people when others insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things about you because of your devotion to me. Rejoice and be glad! Your reward in heaven is great.” (Mt 5.1-12)

Jesus’ teaching is simple; “Want God’s favor? Then be a peacemaker.” Simple, but certainly not easy—especially in five o’clock traffic. In fact, attempting to live these nine teachings could fill up a lifetime with realities like poverty, hunger, sadness, and suffering. So when does the enjoyment of God’s favor come in?

The second part of each teaching reveals the answer; those who are pure in heart will be favored with seeing God. The peacemakers will be called God’s sons and daughters. The meek will inherit Earth. The privileges that Jesus promises all belong to the experiences of the next life, not this one.

An instinct deep down jumps up and shouts, “What a frickin rip!” This is because when we think of our lives we usually stop short, counting only the years we have left before our hearts quit beating. But life goes on long after that sad moment, and it is this second portion of our lives which most often concerned Jesus.

Here he signals us to take our minds off circumstances of this life and give more attention to our possibilities for the life that’s coming next. Following this cue will ensure we enjoy life over a much longer period of time.

Photo by swanky.