Matthew 5:3-10 NIVUK
3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
As Jesus looks beyond the disciples to the crowds at the base of the mountain he sees the lonely, the poor, the doubters, the downtrodden and the sinned against. He SEES them, unlike so many who don’t notice those that have fallen through the cracks, and he declares that unlike the world at large which discounts them, God sees and cares and will respond to their needs and situations.
Spirit, help us to truly see people in the crowds around us as Jesus did, to become alert to the their feelings and needs and desires. May we have compassion like Christ.
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