In the statements of blessing called Beatitudes (v20-23) there are differences from Matthew 5 v3-12. Here in Luke there are less Beatitudes. Also you will see that in Matthew there is a more spiritual element in that there Jesus speaks not just of the ‘poor’ but the ‘poor in spirit’, and not just those who ‘hunger’ but those whose who ‘hunger and thirst for righteousness’.

Why at different times did Jesus place different emphasise? The answer has probably to do with the situation and the needs that were before Jesus.

There is a great emphasis that Christ wonderfully turns around what people experience. People will turn from being poor to entering the kingdom (v20), from being hungry to being satisfied (v21) and from weeping to laughing (v21b). Christ is the answer to our every need.

Jesus then speaks of the suffering that His followers will face (v22). This is pleasant, being hated, excluded, reviled and spurned. Jesus wants us to count the cost of following. But then He turns to the joy Christ brings (v23). In being so badly treated we are in good company, the company of the prophets.

In living the Christian life, we must be both realistic and hopeful.