A Chiasm in the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes don't represent different kinds of people so much as characteristics of a Christ-like character. Here are a few observations you might find interesting:

Yeshua presented the Beatitudes in a thematically chiastic structure. The first and last are thematically connected by the Kingdom of Heaven, the 2nd and 7th by a childlike characteristic, the 3rd and 6th by a condition of the heart, and the 4th and 5th by true righteousness.

The Beatitudes also represent a progression from a discovery of one's own sinful state to the ultimate selfless state of martyrdom.

1. The poor in spirit have realized their sinful state.
2. The mourners experience intense regret for their sin.
3. The meek are ready to approach the throne of Grace and receive the salvation that God offers despite their unclean state.
4. The newly penitent hunger to learn and exhibit righteousness.
5. The pursuit of righteousness reaches its culmination in the desire to give mercy just as we have received it.
6. The pure in heart are guiltless, having suppressed the evil inclination by the Spirit of God.
7. The peacemakers are ready to go into the world and spread the good news of forgiveness and salvation from sin.
8. The perfected follower of Yeshua is always ready to give his life for the Kingdom. He will be hated by the world because the world hated Yeshua first. The wicked cannot tolerate even the presence of the truly righteous.