The Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes

This week’s passage: Matthew 5:3-12

The Beatitudes

Last week we looked at what it means to be blessed. In His first lesson during the Sermon on the Mount Jesus explains the attitudes and traits that will bring blessing to believers. These traits are known as the Beatitudes.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3-4)

To be poor in spirit is to be humble before God, understanding that we are inherently sinners, full of pride and arrogance who need Christ to intercede on our behalf. As Christians, we are saved, we are righteous – not because of anything we do but everything Christ has done for us. We come to Christ as we are, and the Holy Spirit goes to work creating a richness of spirit in our hearts that we absolutely cannot create on our own. When we finally let go and see that we are unworthy to be blessed by God, that is when He begins to give us the keys to His kingdom!

Christians are not exempt from sadness and suffering in this world, we will mourn over those things, but the focus of mourning as an attitude is about how we react to the knowledge that we are poor in spirit. Christ expects us to mourn over that condition and actively seek His guidance and forgiveness.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

Luke tells of a woman, a known sinner who discovered that Jesus was at a home in her city (Luke 7:36-50). She came to Jesus and began crying at His feet, using her hair to wipe away her tears she proceeded to anoint His feet with a very expensive alabaster oil. The owner of the home was taken aback by the fact that Jesus would allow such a sinner to approach Him, but Jesus explains that the woman acknowledged her sin, humbled herself and ministered to His needs when no one else in the house had.

“And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50 ESV)

Our sin should grieve us, it should be hard for us to get through the rest of the day without bringing that sin before the Lord in prayer. We know this world will bring us pain and suffering. The blessing is – He has overcome the world! (John 16:33) This brings me so much comfort.

Meekness and Hunger for Righteousness

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:5-6 ESV)

We think we must be powerful, strong-willed and selfish to be successful. Christ tells us we must be reliant upon Him to inherit the earth, setting ourselves to the side, having a certain mildness or a gentle humility about us. Chasing after the riches and power of the world will leave us empty, but submitting to Him who makes us righteous will fill us to the brim.

“He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” (Luke 1:53 ESV)

Mercy, Pureness and Peace

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:7-8 ESV)

We often have trouble showing others mercy because of our own insecurities, but Christ expects us to show others the same mercy we have received from Him. Seeking Him daily builds a pureness of heart that strengthens our understanding of God, and helping us view others the way He sees us.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

What does it mean to be a “peacemaker”? Let’s look to our best source, the Bible, and see what James shares about being a peacemaker.

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:16-17 ESV)

If we are to be called the Sons (and Daughters) of God we must allow Him to change us into disciples who share the peace of Christ with those around them.

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor 5:20 ESV)

Reward for Persecution

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12 ESV)

As we see throughout the Bible, those who follow Christ have been and will be persecuted. In America (at least for now) this might mean that we are made fun of, or looked down upon, but in many countries throughout the world today it means you might be tortured, imprisoned, or put to death. If we are to inherit the kingdom of God, we cannot respond to these persecutions by running from our beliefs, or with violence or revenge, but with commitment to Christ and love and mercy for others.

For most of us, learning to lean on the Holy Spirit instead of on our own understanding is a process that takes time, and it looks a bit messy to those outside of the faith, who hear our clumsy explanation of what we are experiencing as condescending, and see our continued sin as proof of our hypocrisy. The beatitudes show us that the believer must be in prayer, Bible study and fellowship daily, listening for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be ready to share the reason for our salvation with those who ask.

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:14-15)

We are a work in progress until the time we are with our Lord in heaven!