The Beatitudes are a sketch of the radically different world that Jesus brings and invites us to live in. Unfortunately, the language and familiarity of the verses sometimes obscures their power. In a recent sermon I tried to express the core of each beatitude in slightly different language.

• Divine favor is found in knowing you are spiritually empty. The kingdom of Jesus runs on such humility.
• Divine favor is found in sorrowing over sin.
  God will bring comfort to those who do.
• Divine favor is found in relinquishing our rights and powers.
  Those who give up something so small, gain the world.
• Divine favor is found in earnestly desiring to see yourself and the world conformed to Christ’s reign.
  That desire will be fulfilled.
• Divine favor is found in restraining wrath from those who deserve it.
  Those who do so will receive in kind.
• Divine favor is found in integrity and purity of motive.
  Those who embrace this have an unblurred view of God. 
• Divine favor is found in reconciling.
  Those who do so look like their Father.
• Divine favor is found in suffering even for the cause of bringing the kingdom.
  Those who suffer thus, will possess the kingdom in full.