In his longest recorded sermon, Jesus began by describing the traits he was looking for in his followers. He called those who lived out those traits blessed because God had something special in store for them. Each beatitude is an almost direct contradiction of society’s typical way of life.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
Notice it says, ‘poor in the spirit’. Poor in spirit means we should be dependable on God for everything.
Hebrews 11:21 says, “Jacob leaned on his staff because he was lame. In the same way, we must lean on the Lord”
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
This scripture is used many times in funeral services. But this mourning is the godly sorrow that produces repentance to salvation that Paul described in 2 Corinthians 7:10.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Meekness is not weakness.
Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. (Numbers 12:3)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Not everyone shall be filled but only those who hunger and thirst
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
If you want mercy then show mercy.
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)
Sin pollutes a person which in turn has a blinding effect on us. Those who learn to guard their hearts relying on the grace of God will have greater intimacy with God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)
This does not describe those who live in peace, but those who actually bring about peace, overcoming evil with good. One way we accomplish this is through spreading the gospel because God has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). In evangelism, we make peace between man and the God whom they have rejected and offended.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
These blessed ones are persecuted for righteousness’ sake and for Jesus’ sake (for My sake), not for their own stupidity or fanaticism.
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)
Jesus brings insults and spoken malice into the sphere of persecution. We cannot limit our idea of persecution to only physical opposition or torture. In Matthew 5:10 they are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; in Matthew 5:11 they are persecuted for the sake of Jesus.
Beatitudes in Revelation
Seven times in the book of Revelation, God promises blessings upon those who believe.
“God blesses the one who reads this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says.” (Revelation 1:3)
“Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from all their toils and trials; for their good deeds follow them!” (Revelation 14:13)
“Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their robes ready so they will not need to walk naked and ashamed.” (Revelation 16:15)
“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:9)
“Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)
“Blessed are those who obey the prophecy written in this scroll.” (Revelation 22:7)
“Blessed are those who wash their robes so they can enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.” (Revelation 22:14)
Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19)
Always make sure you practice what you preach. A teacher of the Word must first do and teach. Even concerning our Lord, it is said, “all that Jesus began both to do and teach,” (Acts 1:1)
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