“Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Could you finish that famous statement with which Jesus begins His “Sermon on the Mount”? The close of the statement describes the state, or ground, of the blessing about which Jesus speaks: “...for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 (KJV)

I’m drawing our attention to this sermon because Jesus highlights for us a condition which has its beginning, middle, and end in Him. But which has implications far and wide in the lives we live each day.

I chose the title above because that is a very common response when someone, usually off the cuff, asks, “How are you?” “I’m good,” we often reply. And the reply comes without much thought and really is a way to move on to the meat of the conversation, if there is one following. When we say we are good, the range of description would be as wide as the people who say it. But Jesus has a thoroughly different idea in mind.

In His role as a prophet, Jesus would come with characteristically two proclamations: Weal or Woe. We hear them both in the gospels. That’s what the prophets have always done. When Jesus announces, “Blessed are .” He is announcing the condition of weal. It’s easily seen that that is the foundation of our English word “wealth.” And it is a condition that all of us would want to live in. All the time. Someday, we will.

But Jesus is pointing to something in this sermon that we often miss. Or, at least, I have until recently. In my studies I have come upon the idea that while Jesus is supplying us with the ideals of those who inhabit His kingdom, what He really is doing is giving us a description of Himself. Read those familiar words again from Matthew 5:1-12 and apply them to the person preaching and, I think you may see in Jesus the perfect embodiment of all His statements.

Why is that important to see? Jesus is always prompting His people to come His way, to find their rest in Him. My most used verse in Christian counsel is also from Matthew’s gospel: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (5:28). Jesus goes on to describe a place where we should all want to find ourselves, namely, with Him.

That state of blessedness comes precisely because you and I will find it in a person. A person who loves us supremely and who proves it daily. And isn’t it just like our Savior to be calling us to a place that He knows will bless us most? Not imitating Him. But resting in Him. And in that rest and renewal,

we will take on and exhibit those traits by which He draws us to Himself in His hillside message. Walking with Jesus. Trusting Jesus. But mostly, loving and being loved by Jesus. It’s a condition that all of us would want to live in. All the time. Someday we will.

“Blessed are...”