Key Passage: Matthew 5:1-12
Core Idea: Jesus, as the New Moses, inaugurates a Kingdom not of external rule but of internal transformation, fulfilling the heart of Isaiah 61’s Jubilee mission (Leviticus 25:8-55).
Jubilee (יֹובֵל, Yovel) — Hebraic Definition
Literal Meaning:
- The Hebrew word יֹובֵל (Yovel) literally means “ram’s horn” or “trumpet blast.”
- It refers to the shofar blast that would proclaim the start of the Jubilee year.
- Symbolically, the sound announced liberation, restoration, and divine reset.
Passages to Keep in Mind: Exodus 19-20, Deuteronomy 28(v1-14), Isaiah 61(v1-4), Jeremiah 31(v31-34), Matthew 5-7, Luke 4, Luke 6
Teaching Movements:
- Ascend the Mountain — Mosaic Imagery (Matthew 5:1)
- Moses ascended Sinai to receive the Law.
- Jesus ascends to proclaim the Kingdom Law as God Incarnate.
- Big Idea: The mountain is not just geography—it’s theological positioning: Jesus is the New and Greater Moses.
- The Covenant Shift — From Law to Heart (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
- Moses gave commandments to shape behavior (exterior focused).
- Jesus declares Beatitudes to shape heart posture (internal focused).
- Contrast Deut. 28’s “IF you obey...” with Jesus’ declarative “Blessed are...”
Moses’ Blessings — Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (Summary)
- Blessed in the city and the field (v3)
- Blessed offspring, crops, and livestock (v4)
- Blessed basket and kneading bowl (v5)
- Victory over enemies (v7)
- Abundant prosperity in goods, land, and rain (v8-12)
- Be the head, not the tail; rise above nations (v13)
These are covenantal blessings for Israel’s obedience to the Law. They are national and material blessings designed to display God’s favor in a visible, physical way.
Jesus’ Blessings — The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)
- Blessed are the poor in spirit → Theirs is the Kingdom.
- Blessed are those who mourn → They will be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek → They will inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness → They will be filled.
- Blessed are the merciful → They will receive mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart → They will see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers → They will be called sons of God.
- Blessed are the persecuted for righteousness’ sake → Theirs is the Kingdom.
These blessings are Kingdom character declarations, not conditional rewards. They are spiritual realities and eternal inheritances — not physical/material prosperity promises.
