Folly - A Message on the Beatitudes

Folly - A Message on the Beatitudes

The teachings of Jesus, particularly as presented in the Sermon on the Mount, stand in stark contrast to the values and norms of the world. This message from Founded in Truth Fellowship, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, delves into the radical nature of these teachings, emphasizing how they often appear as foolishness when viewed through a worldly lens. The central focus lies on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), which introduce a 颠覆性的 understanding of blessing and what it means to live according to the principles of God's kingdom.

In Messianic circles, it's often said that Jesus taught the Torah. While this is not incorrect, it lacks the crucial nuance of *how* Jesus taught it. In first-century Judea, there were numerous Torah teachers, but Jesus was unique as the exact representation of God. Therefore, his interpretation of the Torah carries unparalleled authority, offering the true way to live it out. The speaker stresses the importance of revisiting Jesus' actual words and the lifestyle he called his followers to before delving into other theological studies.

The message highlights that the gospel, according to Jesus, is not merely about an afterlife but about the **kingdom of God being near**, a present reality that demands a fundamental shift in perspective – repentance. This kingdom's arrival signifies a collision with the existing world order, inverting its values and establishing God's rule. Followers of Jesus are called to embody this new creation, experiencing eternal life and God's kingdom in the here and now, acting as ambassadors to extend its reach.

The speaker points out the inherent conflict between the kingdom's principles and the world's approach to power and conflict. While worldly rulers build empires through military might and domination, Jesus established his kingdom by dying for others. He instructed his followers to love their enemies, a concept deemed foolish by a world that operates on the principle of defeating adversaries. This radical approach challenges the ingrained "us versus them" mentality, urging believers to see even their enemies as broken individuals in need of a savior.

The Sermon on the Mount, beginning in Matthew 5, is presented not as a simple rule book of dos and don'ts for achieving salvation, but as a **demonstration of a way of life**, a kingdom life that believers are to strive for. It offers road signs that guide individuals toward manifesting God's rule and reign on earth. The first generation of believers embraced these teachings, even at the cost of their lives, demonstrating a deep commitment to their King and his kingdom.

The message then focuses on the first three Beatitudes, unpacking their seemingly paradoxical nature. The term "blessed" itself is identified as a religious term often removed from everyday language.

• **"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3)**: Being "poor in spirit" is not simply about material poverty but about recognizing one's **complete dependence on God**. It means being without pretense, understanding that everything comes from God, and not being overly reliant on one's own abilities or worldly securities. This contrasts with the feeling of security derived from wealth, possessions, or military might, which are ultimately fleeting. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14) vividly illustrates this. The Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, looked down on others, while the tax collector humbly acknowledged his sinfulness and received justification. The speaker cautions against the subtle trap of comparing oneself favorably to others, which itself mirrors the Pharisee's attitude. True righteousness comes through acknowledging one's need for God's grace, not through self-exaltation. The community of God is meant to resemble the tax collectors – those who recognize their brokenness and dependence. The Apostle Paul's declaration in 1 Timothy 1:15, identifying himself as the "worst of sinners," serves as a model for this attitude of humility.
• **"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4)**: This beatitude speaks to those who grieve over the brokenness of the world and perhaps their own sinfulness. It echoes the messianic prophecy in Isaiah 61, which promises comfort and restoration to those who mourn. This mourning reflects a deep awareness of the gap between the world as it is and the perfect kingdom of God, a longing for righteousness and restoration.
• **"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5)**: Meekness, in this context, is not weakness but a **humble strength**, a willingness to endure suffering without seeking revenge, trusting in God's timing and security. This beatitude is particularly relevant in the historical context of first-century Judea, where the Jewish people were under Roman oppression and many longed for a Messiah who would violently overthrow their rulers. The Zealots, a revolutionary group, embodied this desire for violent liberation. However, Jesus' promise that the meek will inherit the earth presents a radically different path to dominion – not through force but through humble reliance on God. The speaker quotes scholar Scott McKnight, highlighting that this blessing is for those who trust God for justice and the coming of his kingdom.

The speaker briefly touches on the remaining Beatitudes, emphasizing their continued challenge to worldly values: hunger and thirst for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and enduring persecution for righteousness' sake. These are not presented as easily attainable virtues but as aspirations that demand a constant turning away from self-centered desires and toward God's will.

The message underscores the **folly of the cross** as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18. To a world that values power and dominance, the idea of a crucified king and a kingdom built on humility and service appears foolish. Paul urged the Corinthians to shift their allegiance from Caesar and the Pax Romana (the peace of Rome achieved through conquest) to the crucified Christ. This allegiance demands a radical way of life that defies worldly logic, such as turning the other cheek and going the extra mile (Matthew 5:39-41). These actions, though seemingly foolish, embody the sacrificial love that is central to the kingdom of God.

The early Christians embraced this "foolish" lifestyle, understanding that their battle was not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, and that their weapon was prayer and love for their enemies. The speaker challenges the audience to honestly consider how they respond to offenses and injustices, questioning what it takes for them to abandon the core teachings of Jesus.

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Application for Everyday Life

• **Cultivate a constant awareness of your dependence on God.** Recognize that all good things come from Him and resist the urge to rely solely on your own strength, wealth, or intellect.
• **Practice humility in your interactions with others.** Avoid comparing yourself to others to feel superior and acknowledge that everyone is in need of God's grace.
• **Acknowledge your own brokenness and sinfulness.** Like the tax collector, approach God with a humble and repentant heart, rather than focusing on the perceived shortcomings of others.
• **Mourn over the brokenness of the world and injustice.** Allow yourself to feel the weight of sin and suffering, fostering a deeper desire for God's kingdom to come.
• **Embrace meekness in the face of conflict.** Choose to respond with humility and restraint, trusting in God's justice rather than seeking revenge.
• **Seek to love your enemies and pray for them.** Resist the natural inclination to hate or seek their downfall, recognizing their need for God's love and salvation.
• **Be willing to endure offenses and injustices without retaliation.** Consider how you can embody the principles of turning the other cheek and going the extra mile in your daily interactions.
• **Examine your motivations for pointing out the sins of others.** Ensure that your zeal stems from a genuine desire for their salvation and God's glory, rather than a need to feel secure in your own righteousness.

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