Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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.“
Photo by Lindley Webster
In Matthew 5, we begin reading the best sermon ever taught! Jesus, for 3 chapters, preaches to the people. At the very beginning of his message, he directs his teaching to his disciples by gently guiding them in how to live a life as a Christ-follower. As Christians we are to follow Christ’s example of how to live. Matthew 5: 3-10 lists the desired attitude and the blessing that will follow. This passage is known as the Beatitudes. The word “Beatitudes” is derived from beatitudo, a Latin word meaning blessedness; hence, the name is used to refer to this biblical passage where each verse begins with the word “blessed.” The literal translation of “blessed” is “happiness,” but yet the meaning is so much deeper: ultimate hope and joy experienced in Christ, despite our outward circumstances.
Over the next several weeks we will break down each verse individually and take a deeper look into Jesus’ radical thoughts for his followers to live a blessed life. Each verse includes a Beatitude as well as a reward given by God. Every one of the Beatitudes listed come in direct conflict with the world’s view, and as Christians we may find it extremely difficult to fulfill them. It is by the power of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit that we can have confidence in living for Christ, in the way he intended.
I encourage you over the next week, as you prepare to mediate over the Beatitudes, to read the Sermon on Mount (Matthew 5-7) using the lenses of the Beatitudes; realizing a need for God, Mourning, Humility, Hunger and thirst for righteousness, Mercy, Pure hearts, Peacemaking, and Persecution.
-Pastor Darcy Webster
Associate Pastor of Operations and Pastoral Care