Blessings and Woes

With a great crowd gathered, people from all over come to hear Jesus and be healed. He lifts His eyes toward His disciples and begins to speak words that turn the world’s values upside down:

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”

He blesses the hungry, the weeping, and the persecuted—promising that their current suffering will be reversed. But then, He warns the rich, the well-fed, the laughing, and the well-regarded that their comfort is fleeting.

In a society that celebrates wealth, power, and success, Jesus challenges His followers to see life from God’s perspective. What does it really mean to be blessed? And what dangers lie hidden in comfort and applause?