Full Answer Section

• Blessed are those who mourn, not the happy: This challenges the societal tendency to prioritize outward happiness and pleasure. Jesus suggests that acknowledging and processing hardship and loss can lead to deeper understanding and spiritual growth.
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, not those seeking material possessions: This goes against the societal emphasis on acquiring wealth and material goods. Jesus emphasizes a yearning for spiritual fulfillment and doing what is right, even if it comes at a cost.
• Blessed are the merciful, not the judgmental: This clashes with the common practice of condemning and excluding those perceived as different or flawed. Jesus emphasizes compassion, forgiveness, and showing mercy, even to those who may not deserve it.

By promoting these values, Jesus challenges the audience to reevaluate their priorities and focus on inner qualities that cultivate a different kind of “wealth” and fulfillment. He proposes a way of living that transcends outward appearances and societal expectations, focusing on spiritual growth, compassion, and living in accordance with higher principles.

This message can be unsettling because it challenges existing power structures, societal norms, and personal desires. It requires introspection, self-sacrifice, and a willingness to prioritize the inward journey over outward achievements.

Therefore, while Jesus’ teachings appear confusing and contrary to the established way of life at first, they propose a transformative shift in perspective and values that ultimately leads to a different kind of fulfillment: living “inside out.”