It was breath-taking. All my life I had heard about the Mount of Beatitudes and now I stood in the place where Jesus gave one of his most profound sermons (see Matthew 5). The Mount of Beatitudes overlooks the four-mile long Plain of Gennesaret, an area known for its lush soil and fruitfulness. The backdrop is the Sea of Galilee. It's no wonder that the historian Josephus called this area “nature's crowning achievement.” The geography of this area displays a natural amphitheatre so that Jesus could easily be heard as he spoke about a kingdom that was like no other.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” he said. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matthew 5:3-11).

Jesus described a Kingdom that was so different from what was seen in society. Looking out over this plain, I could just imagine the multitudes sitting quietly to hear every word that Jesus spoke. His voice is gentle but there is a sense of urgency in each phrase. This was a voice that gave a new message that would encourage these listeners to express His Kingdom of grace, mercy and compassion in how they lived.

Jesus was deeply aware that this multitude of people represented wounded, lost souls who needed to be encouraged that life could be different if only they would chose to live according to this Kingdom message. The Word spoke. A single voice was heard by the multitude that day. The competing voices of pride, power, self-indulgence, greed and deceit were silenced. This one voice made a difference because Jesus not only spoke words of hope and challenge, he lived and was them. He personified every beatitude. He was meek, a peacemaker, and merciful and pure in heart.

Standing on this holy site, I became one of the many listening intently for a voice to pierce the hold of darkness so that my life would be salt and light to all I meet. These Kingdom teachings are for Kingdom people. Christ is inviting me to be a person who creates thirst and leads other to this Kingdom. Just as one voice changed the world, I now know that my single voice can also bring about change when I speak truth and love and grace. And in so doing, I am blessed.

Nancy Turley is the territorial abuse advisor for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. She and her husband, Joel, attend the Bracebridge Corps with their three children: Ethan, Aidan and Jordan. Nancy enjoys hiking in Algonquin Park with her family. Her column will feature reflections from her journey to the Holy Land.