The Beatitudes
Given to us only in Matthew chapter 5, each beatitude is a proverb-like saying packed with meaning and worthy of individual study. Most Bible scholars agree that the beatitudes give us a clear picture of the true disciple of God.
They stand in stark contrast to the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments speak mostly in the negative (Thou shalt not). The Beatitudes speak positively of the attributes of those in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
For a basic understanding of the meaning of the beatitudes, this simple outline is meant to help us get started. Where we take this study depends on how
deeply we delve into each Beatitude.
Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
With this phrase, “poor in spirit,” most likely Jesus was speaking of our spiritual condition of poverty. That is, the recognition of our need for God. “The
kingdom of heaven” refers to people who acknowledge God as their King.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who humbly recognize their need for God, for they will enter into his kingdom.”
In this beatitude, we should focus on the poverty of spirit. What is poverty? Do you consider yourself in spiritual poverty? If you are truly poor in the
economic sense we usually think of, what are you lacking, what is empty?
Now, carry that thought into the spiritual realm. It truly is blessed to be spiritually poor or spiritually empty. In this state, we recognize our need to be
spiritually empty, and invite God to fill us with His Holy Spirit. To recognize this state, and to ask God to fill us, is to be truly humble.
This may be the hardest part of establishing your relationship with God – humbling our spirit. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Humility may be mankind’s greatest challenge. Yet it is essential to a close relationship with God. What was man’s first sin? Complete this phrase – Adam’s
sin was an act of ____________________.
Many would say rebellion. That’s true in a sense. Have you thought about it as a declaration of independence? That should be easy for Americans to
understand. We are incredibly independent as a nation, and we are very proud of that independence.
Independence from God, however, is exactly the opposite of what God wants from us. Would you agree? Please explain.
Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Those who mourn” speaks of those who express deep sorrow over sin, or those who repent from their sins. The freedom found in the forgiveness of sins and the joy of eternal salvation is the “comfort” of those who repent.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who mourn for their sins, for they shall receive forgiveness and life eternal.”
I’m guessing that most of us have never thought this beatitude had anything to do with mourning over our sins. Is that right?
What we have to understand is that the beatitudes build on one another. We start with humbling or emptying our spirit or soul so that God can fill us. In
this condition we are convicted of all we do that displeases God. If our soul is truly humbled and then filled with God’s Holy Spirit, we will live to please God. Humility and repentance is key to comfort, or eternal life and relationship with God.
When we displease God, what is our usual reaction? We should repent, but many times we deny. We also justify our actions to avoid confession. In what ways do we do that?
By justifying our sins to ourselves, we are really lying to ourselves, others close to us, and certainly God. These lies build walls around us to keep us safe or comfortable, in our minds. Would you agree?
To restore our relationship with God, we must tear down the walls lies have built for us.
Matthew 5:5 – Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Similar to “the poor,” “the meek” are those who submit to God’s authority, making him Lord. Revelation 21:7 says God’s children will “inherit all
things.”
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who submit to God as Lord, for they will be heirs to everything God possesses.”
How many of you thought that “meek” meant weak or docile? That’s an easy conclusion, and one I’ve thought was correct, but is certainly anything but.
Like we studied in the previous Beatitudes, what is necessary for us to set aside to be meek in this sense?
We must set aside our pride to be truly dependent on God. We must set aside our desire to be independent. Is it possible to be truly independent from God?
Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Hunger and thirst” speaks of a deep need and a driving passion. This “righteousness” refers to the Lord, Jesus Christ, our righteousness. To “be filled”
is the satisfaction of the soul’s desire.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who passionately long for the Lord, Jesus Christ, for he will satisfy their souls.”
To hunger and thirst for Jesus Christ, we must have a relationship that is truly dependent on His love and lordship. A relationship like a child has with a loving parent is necessary for us to long to be in His presence.
Matthew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Simply put, we reap what we sow. Those who demonstrate mercy will receive mercy. Likewise, those who know great mercy will show great mercy. This mercy is shown through forgiveness and also by offering kindness and compassion toward others.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who show mercy through forgiveness, kindness and compassion, for they will receive mercy.”
How timely was our recent study of forgiveness? We discussed how difficult it is to truly forgive in many cases. If we have the kind of relationship (notice I
didn’t say priority) with Jesus that He desires, would forgiveness come easier? How did God show His desire to forgive?
Matthew 5:8 – Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
The “pure in heart” are those who have been cleansed from within. This is not talking about outward righteousness seen by men, but inward holiness that
only God can see. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14 that without holiness, no man will see God.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who have been purified from the inside out, being made clean and holy, for they will see God.”
How do we accomplish this cleansing from the inside out? This is a trick question, because we can’t. Only God can do this for us. All we have to do is desire and invite Him, Jesus, into our lives to restore the relationship intended when we were created.
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
The Bible says we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Reconciliation through Jesus Christ brings restored fellowship (peace) with God. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 says God entrusts us with this same message of reconciliation to take to others.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those who have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ and who bring this same message of reconciliation to others. All those who have peace with God are called his sons.”
Matthew 5:10 – Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:11-12 – Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and
be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Just as Jesus faced persecution, so he promised his followers persecution. Those who endure because of their faith rather than hiding their righteousness to
avoid persecution are genuine followers of Christ.
Paraphrase: “Blessed are those daring enough to openly live for righteousness and suffer persecution, for they will receive the kingdom of heaven.”
We may truly be embarking on a time in U.S. history when we as Christians will endure persecution for our faith. Jesus suffered it, so we should expect it as
well. If your relationship is real and strong, continue to bring Jesus’ message of peace and reconciliation to all. Jesus himself promises that you’ll be blessed if
you do.
Comments/Questions?