Matthew 5-7 contain what is commonly called "The Sermon on the Mount." Jesus was beginning His earthly ministry and had ascended the mountain in order to teach the multitudes following Him. The mountain provided natural amplification so His voice would carry to the masses. However, still today, if you'll listen, His voice still speaks and we can learn much from this great message. Over the next few weeks (months maybe) I am going to blog about "The Sermon on the Mount" and challenge each believer to practice the principles taught from this message. Let's begin with the first part of Jesus' message - the beatitudes.
Matthew 5:3-12 (KJV)
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
How does one discipline themselves to be holy and live righteously in everyday life? Through this message, Jesus expounds to His disciples the reality of discipleship.
The beatitudes illustrate how we life happens in the kingdom of God. Each beatitude opens with the word "blessed" implying more than a temporary or circumstantial feeling. Living wholeheartedly for Christ and His kingdom brings one true joy. Happiness is based on chance. Joy is based in Christ.
The poor in spirit are those who recognize their need of God and His help. A person who thinks they are all that and a bag of chips doesn't need God. Those who feel they are a self-made-whatever, don't feel they need God's help. The poor in spirit recognize that whether they are wealthy or not, whether they are educated or not, they are in need of God and His help. For those willing to admit their spiritual bankruptcy, they will receive inheritance in the kingdom of God. This first beatitude illustrates the difference between what is temporal and what is eternal. Where is your treasure?
They that mourn are those who recognize their loss spiritually and are willing to admit they are in need. The Bible speaks of a godly sorrow that leads to repentance which leads to salvation. True repentance will be preceded by mourning. One has to realize they are lost and at a loss without God. But they who mourn will find comfort. And isn't it marvelous to know that Jesus Christ is the Comforter!
The meek are those who are gentle. They do not assert themselves over other in order to further their own agenda. The meek trust wholly in God, leaving the outcome to Him. This type of living and thinking runs against the grain of societal norms. We are told to be assertive in education, careers, sports, etc. and when one does not assert their agenda, they are mocked. Now, for the record, meekness is not being lazy. One should do what they can, when they can, and as much as they can. However, meekness leaves the outcome to God. Meekness requires trusting God to provide you an inheritance.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are those who know that God is the only source of righteousness. These have a hunger to have the righteousness of God manifest in their daily lives. And for those who hunger, God will fill them! If you truly desire a relationship with God, He will fulfill your request. What do you hunger for?
The merciful are they who show kindness and forgiveness to others. And those who forgive, show kindness, and are merciful, will themselves be forgiven, treated kindly, and receive mercy. This beatitude teaches the principle of the harvest - what you sow, you will also reap. Are you sowing mercy or judgment?
The pure in heart are they who seek purity inwardly and outwardly. In fact, if one is not pure inwardly, their outward purity is hypocritical. One cannot truly be pure withint without also being pure without, and vice versa. Those who are truly pure in heart will see God.
The peacemakers are they who make peace. Notice it doesn't say "peace-keepers." Peacemakers will be called the sons of God. These who promote the peace of God on the earth, those who wear the shoes of readiness of the gospel of peace will be known as the sons of God. Another verse states that they who do the will of God, they are the sons of God. Want to be in the will of God? Then be a peacemaker.
The persecuted for righteousness sake are those who have been mistreated because of their faith. Whenever someone continues to serve God faithfully in spite of being persecuted, they obtain favor with God. These who are persecuted for Christs sake have a hope that they will be a part of the kingdom of heaven!
The reviled and persecuted who have evil said of them should take heart in that Jesus Christ - our Lord and supreme example - was also persecuted. But we should also take heart in that we have a reward in heaven for being persecuted.
The beatitudes teach us a way of higher living. This higher life is possible through being born again. You can live like Jesus Christ. The question is, "Do you want to?" Remember, Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
