Climbing the Mountain: A Journey Through the Beatitudes
I want to begin by taking a step back into the past—into the 80s. Think about the songs that defined that era. Turn to the person next to you, and without hesitation, tell them: What is the best song from the 80s? You don’t need to ask them, just share your pick. I’m sure some of you are thinking of classics like “Eye of the Tiger” or “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Those songs were iconic, and they filled the airwaves for a reason. Last Sunday night, we had our annual Sweetheart Banquet with a theme inspired by the 80s—Totally 80s. It was a time for us to reflect, remember, and celebrate—especially the lasting institution of marriage.
Speaking of celebrating, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to some incredible people. To our high school students, thank you for your dedication. Between wrestling, track, basketball playoffs, and countless other activities, you managed to pour your energy into making the banquet a success. And a special thank you to those who helped make it happen: Dave and Kendra Mosley, my wife (who, even amidst the chaos of having our girls at home, was there to support), Jacob Luchetti (who is a kitchen genius), Chrissy and Torren Coprin, and many others who contributed to this wonderful event. It was truly a team effort, and I am incredibly grateful for everyone who worked alongside me to honor marriage and our church family.
As we shift into today’s message, let’s take a moment to talk about a theme that I’ve introduced before: Climb It. This isn’t about the weather; this is about the mountain that lies before us—the metaphorical mountain we’re called to climb. The theme is inspired by Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which is a message filled with challenges and deep teachings for us to explore. Over the next three months, we’ll be climbing that mountain together, delving into the words of Jesus in a way that may challenge us, but ultimately leads to transformation.
Jesus’ teachings, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, push us beyond what’s comfortable. They go against the grain of our desires and instincts. For example, Jesus says in Matthew 5, “You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy,’ but I say to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’” This is a hard teaching. It’s easy to love those who love us, but it’s a much tougher challenge to love those who oppose us.
Just as climbing a mountain can be physically demanding, the journey through Jesus’ teachings can be emotionally and spiritually taxing. Consider Matthew 6, where Jesus calls us to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” rather than on earth. How easy it is to chase after material wealth and status, but Jesus calls us to focus on heavenly riches, to reorient our priorities.
Jesus’ words can feel dangerous—dangerous to the person we often want to be, the one who seeks comfort and control. But the ultimate reward of living by His words is lasting peace and security. In Matthew 7, Jesus assures us that “everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” When the storms of life come, the house built on the rock will stand firm.
The Sermon on the Mount forces us to confront our illusions—the illusions we have about ourselves, about what God requires, and about how we think the world works. But these illusions must be shattered. The reality Jesus offers is far better than any illusion we hold.
His words are radical, counter-cultural, and they shatter our pretensions. But they also bring healing and hope. Jesus came to offer peace for the brokenhearted, hope for the hopeless, and a place for the lost. His words are for everyone—no matter your background, race, or history. They cut to the heart of every pretender but heal every sincere seeker.
As we delve into the Beatitudes this morning, let’s take a moment to consider the characters in this story. The most important character is, of course, Jesus—the one who ascended the mountain to teach. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the Divine Word made flesh, the fullness of God dwelling among us. His teachings are not just ideas or philosophies—they are the words of the Son of God, who came to show us a better way.
Now, let’s dive into the Beatitudes. These are the opening verses of the Sermon on the Mount, and they provide a roadmap for life in God’s Kingdom. Jesus begins with a radical declaration: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” To be poor in spirit means recognizing our utter dependence on God. It’s realizing that we have nothing to offer, that without God’s intervention, we are lost. This kind of spiritual poverty is not a weakness—it’s the first step toward the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus continues: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” This mourning isn’t just about sadness; it’s about repentance. When we mourn our sin, we open the door to comfort, healing, and forgiveness from God. In God’s Kingdom, there is no place for complacency in sin. Instead, there is a call to mourn it, confess it, and find healing.
Then Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Meekness, often misunderstood as weakness, is actually strength under control. It’s gentleness, humility, and consideration for others. The world often rewards aggression and ambition, but Jesus says that the meek will inherit the earth. This is a promise for those who choose humility over pride.
Next, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” True fulfillment comes from a desire to live rightly, to act justly, and to pursue holiness. In God’s Kingdom, those who long for righteousness will find their desires fulfilled.
The next Beatitude says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Mercy is not just feeling sympathy for someone’s suffering—it’s active compassion, extending forgiveness and kindness to others. The measure we use to show mercy is the measure we will receive.
Then, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Purity of heart goes beyond outward actions—it’s about sincerity and an undivided loyalty to God. It’s a call to seek holiness in our thoughts, desires, and motivations.
Finally, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Peacemaking is a divine trait. It’s not just the absence of conflict but actively seeking reconciliation between people and God. Peacemakers bring healing to broken relationships, and they are known as children of God because they reflect His character.
And Jesus wraps up with a powerful statement: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Standing for what is right often comes at a cost. But for those who endure persecution for the sake of righteousness, the reward is great.
In conclusion, the Beatitudes show us that happiness doesn’t come from wealth, pleasure, fame, or position—it comes from living in the shadow of Jesus, the King. His Kingdom is not of this world, and His teachings turn everything upside down. As we climb this mountain together, may we strive to live out the values of His Kingdom and find true happiness in Him.
