Listen

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. He taught them, saying:

“Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”

Matthew 5:1-3

Think

A sports team that is losing all their games is ready to try different strategies. A student who is failing a class will consider hiring a tutor. When things are going well there’s no need to change. When we are at the end of our rope, however, we know that we need something more.

These verses from Matthew 5 begin the “Sermon on the Mount.” In this sermon Jesus teaches us the way to live. But the starting point for the Christian life is surprising. We don’t begin by reaching great heights but rather great lows.

Over and over, Jesus tells us that we are strangely happy when we are weakest. When we are lowest is when we find God’s blessing. Today’s scripture gives us a foundational promise: when we’ve run out of our own hope, that’s when we find hope in God’s heavenly kingdom.

Andrew Garnett

Question to Ponder:

Why is it sometimes hard to admit you need help—from God or from others?

Pray

Dear God, I may have many ups and downs today. But whatever happens, help me to find hope in your heavenly kingdom. You are my source of love, joy, and peace. Amen.

Go

Go to live in the love of God, the way of Jesus, and the peace of the Holy Spirit.