Can you remember being asked what you wanted to be when you grow up? Jonathan wants to be what every little boy his age wants to be (this week, at least) - a fireman. When little Tommy was asked why he had chosen a car mechanic or a garbage collector as his answer, he replied, "So's I can get dirty"

Lets put that question another way. Imagine asking Jesus what he would have us be when we grow up. I believe he would answer each one of us in the same way. And I am sure that we would be surprised at the answer. "I want you to be different. I want you to be a servant." Not many people would choose that as a career path today. When Jesus walked this earth, he was surrounded by thousands of people who were attracted to Him. Whenever he had the opportunity he would talk to people about what they should be when they grow up. Of course he was speaking to them about growing up in a different way. He was speaking about maturity in the kingdom of God.

His overriding counsel was that we be different in order to receive joy in the Kingdom of God. Romans 14:17 "The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. And the way we accomplish this is by being a servant of God and a servant of fellow man. The way we serve God according to Jesus is a lot different than many religious people think. Jesus pointed this out over and over again in His sermon on the mount found in Matthew 5,6 & 7

Mt. 5:21-22 "You have heard...but I say to you..."

Mt. 5:27-28 "You have heard...but I say to you..."

Mt 5:33 -34 "You have heard...but I say to you..."

Mt 5:38 -39 "You have heard...but I say to you..."

Mt 5:43 -44 "You have heard...but I say to you..."

Key vs. in Mt 6:8 "Therefore, do not be like them."

In the introduction of the sermon he gives us one of the greatest portraits of a servant ever recorded. It is found in Mt. 5:1-12 These are guidelines for those who have embarked upon the Cross Road. None of us has yet arrived, we are all on a journey of faith. We are not yet perfect, but are converted. I love the bumper sticker I saw the other day. "Christians are not perfect, just forgiven."

These are eight character traits that identify true servanthood. When all eight are strived for, balance is achieved. They are parts of a whole. They describe the qualities of a singular person. The mature citizen of the Kingdom of heaven. We do not have the option of choosing one of these qualities to specialize in. Each one is an essential ingredient to kingdom living. They are the door to inner happiness. Jesus uses the word "Blessed" The word comes out of the Greek word makarios meaning happy, used in pagan Greek literature to describe the ultimate state of happiness and well being, such as only the god's could enjoy. It is the synonym for the Hebrew exclamation, ashre "How Happy!" as in Psalm 1:1; 32:1; 112:1. Jesus is stating emphatically that it is necessary and possible for all of those in the kingdom to enjoy inner happiness in our present state. Since it is in the form of an interjection it is rendered "Oh the happiness of".

Each character trait is rewarded by a corresponding promise. "Blessed are those who...." describes the trait, "for there's is " describes the promise. Christ promises a particular benefit for each of the characteristics, and what great promises those are. Small wonder that those crowds when Jesus had finished the sermon, exclaimed "We are amazed at His teaching for He teaches as one having authority, and not as the scribes. " That is because they were so used to hearing the teaching of principles and regulations. These were far more than that. They were refreshing arcs of light and love flashed against the dark backdrop of a depressed, oppressed society. And so they are today. Flashes of light and life and love and hope and lasting joy, that dispel all of the darkness and hopelessness of a confused and struggling race.

The lifestyle described here, regardless of outward condition or circumstance will result in a joy unspeakable and full of glory. A peace that passes all understanding. An inheritance which has eternal significance. For now, we will deal with the first four of these characteristics as they deal with the inner workings of humankind. The things of the heart. The things which then influence the mind and the outer workings of mercy, honesty, peacemaking and grit.

Jesus begins by saying that to be a true citizen of the Kingdom of God, there must be a starting point and this is the beatitude that presupposes all the others. Jesus says in this first beatitude that to have joy in the kingdom there must be:
I. Recognition of Total Dependence Upon God.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit"

Jesus is saying that the starting point is a place of conviction. In Hebrew, the word poor was used to describe the man who, because he had no earthly resources whatsoever, put his whole trust in God. Jesus uses this language to suggest that the beginning of true discipleship is to realize that we are spiritually bankrupt, and deserving nothing. Then turning to almighty God in total trust. Augustus Toplady captures the mood in her hymn,
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling,
Naked come to thee for dress,
Helpless look to thee for grace
Foul, I to the fountain fly
Wash me savior, or I die.
The realization that no matter how great we are in the eyes of man, if our hearts are not right with God, we are spiritually poor.

The story of the Pharisee and the publican worshiping in the temple gives us a striking illustration of what Jesus means. The Pharisee felt no spiritual need and therefore made no request. He received all he asked for which was nothing. He thanked God that he was everything he should be and that he had everything that he needed. He was perfectly satisfied with himself and his spiritual attainments. He enumerated his good works, in which he trusted for righteousness and salvation, and boasted that he was superior to all others, and especially to the publican, whom he hated. On the other hand, the despised publican, recognizing his spiritual poverty, made but one request. In agony of spirit he cried out "God be merciful to me a sinner. This is the cry God hears and answers. When we come to him emptied of all self righteousness and pride.

In a scene of the play, The Divine Comedy, Virgil and Dante meet the Angel of Humility. The angel strikes Dante's forehead with his wings, erasing the pride-mark as the angel choirs sing, Beati pauperes spiritu, :Blessed are the poor in spirit." Then Dante walks as if he is on a cloud because when the proud-mark is removed, all the other sins become a smaller burden. Pride is the root of sin: Poverty of spirit is the root of virtue. The reward of poverty of spirit is a place in God's kingdom.

The next qualification of true discipleship that Jesus mentions is that of:
II. Practice Spiritual Sorrow

"Blessed are they that mourn........."

At first this seems to be quite a paradox. How can someone be happy when you are sad? But as we take a closer look at its true meaning you will see where the happiness comes from. Another interpretation of the word mourn in this verse could be "sorrowful"

There are several possibilities in the use of this very strong Greek word penthountes.
Mourning over wrong in the world.
Mourning over personal loss.
Mourning over ones own wrongdoing and sinfulness
Mourning over the death of someone close.
Of these, the most likely meaning taken in context with the previous beatitude would be the first and the third. Mourning over the wrongdoing in the world, but being ever conscious of ones own wrongdoing and sinfulness.

When we come humbly before God recognizing our spiritual poverty we cannot help but recognize our sinfulness in contrast with his holiness, and be sorry for that sin. When we measure ourselves against the worlds standards we can become proud of who we are, but when we are brought to our knees, face to face with Christ we cannot help but become exceedingly sorrowful for our sin. So sorry in fact, that we are compelled to change, for this is what true repentance brings.

This sorrow over sin does not only mean a regret and remorse over sin. It is not only in feeling and thinking, but it is also in willing. The willingness to quit. If we truly change our mind about sinning, we will act differently. Without repentance from sin we cannot begin to walk the disciple road. We will be utterly weak and miserable and would never be able to pay the price. And what a blessed reward there is in coming to this realization. "They will receive comfort." There is nothing quite like the comfort one receives when we know that we have come to grips with our sinfulness and have received God's total forgiveness. It is like a flood just pours over ones soul. As that fountain of cleansing blood washes all the guilty stains.

This is what the Psalmist experienced in Psalm 32 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. [2] Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. [3] When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. [4] For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of Summer. Selah [5] Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. [6] Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely then the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. [7] You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. [8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. [9] Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. [10] Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD'S unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. [11] Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
There is tremendous blessing in spiritual morning.

The Cross Road requires that we recognize our spiritual poverty, practice spiritual sorrow, and thirdly:

III. Completely Surrender Our Rights

vs. 5 "Blessed are the meek"

Not meek in the sense of our understanding. We often link meek with weak. This is not the idea here. The Greek word translated meek was a familiar word in Jesus day, and it had more than one definition. It was used to describe a soothing medicine. When a patient was wrestling with pain and fever, the doctor would administer medicine that would quiet him down and relieve the burning so the patient could sleep. The word was also used to describe a gentle breeze which refreshes one as it blows across a sweaty brow on a hot summers day. The third definition was that of a wild stallion which was broken in.

You notice that each one of these definitions have something in common. They each have an inherent power which if allowed to go out of control could be deadly. Medicine when it is out of control can kill. The wind in the fiercest hurricane can wreak havoc. A wild stallion when out of control is a dangerous beast. All of these have their own power, but when they are most useful is when that power is under control.

Meekness is when we submit all that we have and are to the control of a master, and in this case the Master is Jesus Christ. It is a word which so aptly was used to describe His own makeup:
Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle (praus) and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. What a contrast to what the world seeks. The world seeks their place in the sun. Jesus says, take your place under the shadow of my wings. And look at the reward that is promised. "They will inherit the earth"

Notice that word "inherit" It comes as a legacy. A reward. And so it must be because the meek do not seize for themselves anything. Rather, they wait patiently for God's riches to be bestowed upon them. No matter whether it be in this life or the next. There is always the calm assurance that God is in control, and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. It does not always seem that way. It seems that it is the wicked that prosper. That those who bully themselves into the limelight and promote themselves at the expense of others always seem to be the winners. But that is not necessarily as it appears. Instead of losing, the meek will ultimately gain. Instead of being ripped off and taken advantage of, they will come out ahead! David tells us this in one of his greatest Psalms. Psalm 37:7-11 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. [8] Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil. [9] For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. [10] A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. [11] But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

This is the reward of the disciple. Is it worth it? You bet! Never give up. It's easy to go along with the flow, but the best ride is when you cut the current. That's where the rewards are. Meekness is not the most popular trait. It wasn't then, and it isn't now. But it is Father's way, and can be trusted to keep His promise regarding our inheritance It is you who will be blessed. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Not merely in some distant heaven, but here and now in spirit and continuously in fact.

This is God's pathway to true joy! Now Jesus concludes this section with perhaps the most significant statement. The answer to the emptiness that all outside of Christ experience is the fullness He brings when we pursue His approval with passion.
IV. Seek All That God has for Our Lives

vs. 6 Blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness.

These beatitudes are progressive in nature. They build upon each other. At this point in the progression, those who have this nature, will of necessity have an insatiable hunger for the things of God.

It is very possible that someone here today feels a coldness towards things of a spiritual nature. You find it difficult to bring yourself to pray when you get up in the morning. You find it difficult to pick up your bible and read about God's righteousness. It is possible my friends, that you have either never come to the first three places on the journey to discipleship, or you have wandered a long way from them. The simple truth of this hungering after righteousness is that if there is no hunger, there can be no filling.

Notice that it is not righteousness itself that is the cause of this blessedness. But it is a hunger and a thirst after it. Those who truly walk God's pathway to happiness would never consider themselves righteous, but always in the quest for it. And that is what we should seek to fill the emptiness that so often comes upon us. If we seek satisfaction for that hunger in great singing, we will have to come back again and again. If we seek it in flattery and compliments, they will fail us and we will have to return for more. If we come seeking fulfillment in great preaching, you will be disappointed. Jesus says hunger and thirst for righteousness and you will not be disappointed. Hebrews 11 :6 says that he is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

This is also a hunger and thirst for the righteousness of a nation. True servants press on for peace. Not just the absence of chaos, but the presence of justice. It is as a result of this hunger that Jesus fills our emptiness with all of his fullness, and as he fills us up with his righteousness, out of the overflow we will become vessels of honor, fit for the Masters use.