As we officially move into our new Sermon on the Mount series, we begin with Jesus' opening words. Known as the "Beatitudes," this collection of "Blessed are" statements is both well known and often confusing. Instead of just dissecting each word and each phrase, we need to understand Jesus' overall point and purpose for these words. As He articulates the "Kingdom life," we need to see the difference between advice on "how to get in" and a shocking announcement of divine blessing. Then, and only then, do the individual parts make sense in a way that we can receive its good news.