I am a Jesus pusher!!! There is a significant shift in language related to our study. The eight Beatitudes are specifically addressed in the third person plural. Jesus used the pronouns “they, theirs, and those consistently. The language he used described the people of the Kingdom. They are individuals who are in intimate oneness with Jesus. They become the Kingdom through Jesus sourcing their lives. This beginning section of the Sermon on the Mount introduces the Kingdom concept to anyone who would hear and respond. It is the “Formation of the Kingdom”(Matthew 5:3-12).
Now the language changes to the second person plural. This means the pronouns are “you and yours.” This shift happens in verse eleven. The last beatitude is one of persecution. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). This is a strong beatitude, radical in our view. Jesus gives it more attention. As He moves into this special instruction, His language shifts to the second person plural pronouns. It is no longer an announcement that all can experience Jesus and be the Kingdom. But now, since you are the Kingdom, let me discuss some intimate details with you. Merging with Jesus is not for your comfort, but for the fulfillment of the Kingdom you have become. It is the expression of the nature of Jesus to your world. I am a Jesus pusher!!!