Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany of Our Lord
Matthew 5:1-12
When discussing the Preaching Office, in all its ministerial capacity, not simply preaching, The Reverend Doctor Normal Nagel likes to ask his students and peers, "How does this text give us Jesus?" So, as we look at today's Gospel lesson, let us ask that question as well. How do these words give us Jesus? It is Jesus speaking them, part of His Sermon on the Mount, so how does Jesus give Himself to us in this text?
The simple answer is found right at the end where Jesus proclaims to His listeners, and you can include yourselves in that bunch, "Blessed are you..."