Contrary to popular opinion the various teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are not new. Jesus did not originate them in this Sermon. They all can be found in the Old Testament. So, rather than being different because they were new, Jesus set them in relief in the Sermon by comparing them with common misunderstandings of the times. Jesus did not use the Sermon on the Mount to inspire the masses who had followed Him up the mountain to become Christians. Thatâ€"s not what He was doing here, nor did that happen. These Beatitudes are not all that inspiring. The discipline and work of sanctification are not things that people naturally want to engage. Most people are confused by them, not inspired. Jesus was not trying to reach people who wanted to be inspired. Inspired people are not poor in spirit, the inspired are rich in spirit. They are filled with their inspirations, their hopes and dreams. Those who are inspired are full, not empty, rich, not poor. Jesus was not speaking to the rich in spirit. Christianity is not about inspirational messages for people who feel bad. Christian hope is not like worldly hope.