Is He Talking About Me?
Preacher: The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus opens his mouth to teach, he doesn’t begin with demands. He begins with blessing.
He looks out over the tired, the grieving, the unseen, the wounded – and he speaks words that startle: Blessed are you. Not once you’ve figured it out. Not if you try harder. Just blessed, because God’s presence is already with you, right where it hurts.
This isn’t a list of spiritual goals. It’s a declaration of who God sees. And when we hear those blessings spoken over us, we are changed. Not because our grief disappears or our meekness becomes strength overnight, but because we realize we are not alone in it. God is already there.
When we believe that, we can say it to others too. We can become a people who look into the shadows of the world and say with confidence: Blessed are you. Because wherever the pain is deep, the love of God has gone deeper still.
Reflection Questions
Where do you most need to hear Jesus say, “Blessed are you”?
Which beatitude feels closest to your own life right now (and why)?
How do you tend to interpret blessing? Does Jesus’ way of blessing challenge your assumptions?
Where in your community or the world do you see people who need to know they are not forgotten?
What would change if your church became known as a place that speaks God’s blessing over the brokenhearted?
