Who Jesus Says Is Blessed
& the beatitudes
Context. Matthew 5:1-11
beatitude. n. supreme blessedness or happiness.
Jesus sees the crowds. He goes up on the mountain and sits down taking on the posture of a rabbi, a teacher, and then he began to teach.
The message is not a list of general morals being communicated to a general audience. It’s a message to his disciples (learners & followers of Jesus) on what life in the Kingdom is all about.
The first four address our great spiritual need for salvation and our relationship with Christ. (Take root.) They follow a natural progression. The second four show us the characteristics of a disciple. (The fruit they bear.) Taken as a whole, we deepen our understanding and see the benefit of who Jesus says is truly blessed.
It’s a countercultural perspective of values. An upside-down Kingdom where present and future realities exist. Let’s take a look.
Blessed are…
the poor in spirit
To the one who recognizes the poverty of their soul & their spiritual lack, the Kingdom of Heaven is for you.
I cannot save myself. I am not self-sufficient. Only God can save me.
Those who Mourn
To the one who grieves over their sin before a holy God, you are comforted by the good news of the Gospel.
There’s no true comfort until we have mourned.
Those who are Humble (MEEK)
In our world, it’s natural for us to think the powerful & the successful will inherit the earth. But to the one who demonstrates a quiet strength, power under control, is humble & self-aware — They shall inhabit & live on the earth in a way that others (that are self-determined) will not.
Those who hunger & thirst for righteousness
As we are emptied of all self-righteousness (the belief we are morally right & justifiable), we develop a new appetite. A condition of the spirit that cannot be quenched by the things of this world. — Jesus promises to completely fill up those who want it.
The Lord fully satisfies our souls.
Those who are merciful
The ones who give fair treatment to others with honor. Those who are kind & compassionate.
Mercy to others indicates our understanding of the mercy we’ve been given.
Those who are pure in heart
Those who have allowed God to refine their character & purify their desires — They are pointed to a better way. A clearer vision of God.
those who are peacemakers
Those who proactively choose & seek peace with others take on the recognizable character of God’s children.
For they will be called Sons of God.
Those who are persecuted
Loving & orienting our life towards Jesus places us in a path of persecution. Those who are treated unfairly for actively pursuing the Kingdom of righteousness & because of their faith in Jesus Christ, Your reward is great in Heaven (not now).
Resources:
Text. Matthew 5:1-11