Jesus

"Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside, sat down, and his disciples came to him. There he began to teach them."

It was for the disciples' sakes that he taught them, and it was for our sakes, also disciples, followers of Christ.

Moses gave the law; Christ fulfilled it.

Both were done on a mountain. In the Old Testament, God gave the law to Moses with overwhelming thunder and lightning; here Jesus explains it in a still, small voice.

Then, people were ordered to keep their distance; here they were invited to draw near.

In the law, curses are expressed and blessings only implied; with Jesus, blessings are expressed and curses only implied. In both, life and death are set before us; the law is more negative in its pronouncements to keep us from sin. In Jesus' words, it's life that's the focus—even great happiness in life.

Jesus taught in the open air, for all to hear. He would also teach as much by actions, but here it's by words, brief and precise.

The Father affirmed them both, his messenger and his words. It was Jesus whom Moses predicted would eventually come, a prophet like him, and he would have God's words in his mouth.

And when Jesus transfigured into a being of light in the sight of disciples, a voice was heard from heaven, "This is my beloved son, hear him."

In his word, he continues to speak, and in these eight brief Beatitudes, hearing them, we will be blessed.