And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying. The formal introduction — he opened his mouth and taught — is the introduction to solemn, weighty speech in the biblical tradition (Job 3:1; Psalm 78:2). What follows is not casual conversation but an authoritative proclamation that Jesus in verse 17 will describe as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. The Beatitudes that open the Sermon are not rules to be kept but descriptions of the people whom the kingdom is producing. They begin in the indicative mood — blessed are — rather than the imperative: these are not commands to be achieved but declarations of what is already true of those who have been drawn into the reign of God.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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