Matthew 5.1-16

I’m thinking allot about the sermon on the mount. It’s messing with my theology some, hopefully for the better. As I look at the beatitudes, I’m wondering if Jesus said these as things for us to strive for, or if he was speaking about the people of God who had gone before. Maybe he is trying to tie his disciples into the legacy of the true Israel as He moves forward with his proclamation of and invitation to the kingdom of God? I don’t know for sure. Anyone have any thoughts or insights?