The Beatitudes | 18 August 2024

Jenny shares the Word focusing on the Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. She begins by reflecting on the profound impact of worship and how Jesus’ presence compelled crowds to follow Him up a mountain to hear Him speak, highlighting the captivating power of His message.

She then explains the Beatitudes, sharing that the Beatitudes are direct teachings from Jesus, showing us how to live in a way that brings true happiness and contentment, which often contrasts with worldly values. She explains that “blessed” in this context means being happy or content, and she challenges us to consider what truly makes us happy, pointing out that worldly achievements and possessions often leave us unsatisfied.

She explores several Beatitudes in depth, starting with “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” explaining that this refers to recognising our spiritual poverty and dependence on God’s grace. She shares her experience in nursing and continually seeking promotions, which ultimately left her unfulfilled, illustrating the emptiness of chasing worldly success.

Jenny continues by discussing “Blessed are those who mourn,” interpreting this as mourning our own sins and failures, leading to true comfort from God. She touches on the value of meekness, not as weakness, but as strength under control, used for the benefit of others.

Throughout her message, she encourages us to strive for a life of righteousness, likening the desire for spiritual fulfilment to a deer desperately needing water in a desert.