Tangled #3 | In the Challenges of Life, We Grow | 04/21/2024

Dr. Larry Baucom presents the third teaching from the compelling series, Tangled with a look at the paradigm-shifting words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount.

Taking his inspiration from Matthew 5:1-5, Pastor begins with a lesson on the nature of Matthew’s gospel account and the Beatitudes. Matthew’s intent for his account sought to help the Jewish people view Jesus as the promised Messiah (anointed one like David) who also fulfills the role of a prophet like Moses, two prominent biblical figures in the Hebrew bible. For example, Just as Moses grew up in Egypt so did Jesus, both had their lives threatened by a king, Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness, Jesus spent 40 days, etc. Pastor tells us that the beatitudes link Jesus to King David who also penned beatitudes in the Psalms. The point being that “the Beatitudes are more than a passionate speech to a group of people” but a correction of the commandments of Moses and the example of David.

Point 1: The culture Jesus suggests embraces a change in our thinking and structure.

Humans typically tangle up power with station and strength but Jesus seeks to untangle it by teaching the opposite; turning the whole world of intuitive assumptions upside down! Jesus preached a kingdom where the one who serves others is greatest, enemies are loved, and persecutors are prayed for. Dr. Baucom teaches that the first beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” reveals the upside-down nature of God’s economy. “Poor” in Greek means destitute. In other words, blessed are those who have nothing for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. In that day people believed that riches were a sign of God’s favor and poverty a sign of the lack of favor. In God’s economy, the kingdom belongs to the humble not the wealthy and powerful. It belongs to people who are aware of their need and the treasure of God within who provides.

Point 2: These teachings of Jesus (the Beatitudes) are not descriptions of human feelings.

Although, some have translated the word “blessed” as “Happy”, Pastor points out that the word is better understood as congratulations. Adversity may very well turn out to be a blessing but we’re not likely to feel cheerful in the face of it. Dr. Baucom says, “To be blessed is an internal correction of values trusting in God.” When we are “poor in spirit” we can hear the hope-filled truth that God loves us. Jesus also untangles the erroneous notion that only the self-confident and personally fulfilled are blessed when he states in the second Beatitude, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Pastor points out that “when things go well it is possible to live for years on the surface of things but when sorrows come, a person is driven to the deeper things of life”. The result of sorrow is often a newfound strength of character and wisdom.

Point 3: In the challenges of life we grow and discover the resources of God within.

“Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” is the third beatitude. Meekness is very often tangled with weakness but Dr. Baucom stresses that this is a misinterpretation. Meekness he says is the “inbetween” of excessive anger and too little anger. It is strength under control. Here again, Jesus untangles the minds of people who too often saw humility as a disability, insisting that only those who apply strength with wisdom will live to inherit the earth.

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