Scripture Reading(s)
Matthew 5:1-12
5:1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.
5:2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5:11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
5:12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Reflections
What is it that we turn to that we think will bring us happiness? In some cases it could be riches, merriment, abundance, leisure and so on. The real truth of what brings true happiness is the very opposite of what the world offers. This passage gives Jesus’ description of the characteristics of one who possesses true faith.
- Poor in Spirit: means having deep humility in recognizing that we are spiritually deprived and bankrupt apart from God.
- Those Who Mourn: In this context, the idea of mourning is being pointed at when one shows great sadness over their sin. When we confess our sin we are then met by God’s forgiveness.
- The Meek: This is not to be mistaken for weakness. It means to have self control empowered by the spirit of God
- Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: This is speaking to those who have a desire to seek for God’s righteousness rather then attempting to establish righteous living on their own. When they seek God it will satisfy their hunger and thirst for a deeper relationship with God.
- They Shall Receive Mercy: James 2:13 says “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” By showing mercy to others there is then clear evidence of having received mercy from God
- Pure in Heart- This is referring to those who have a strong perception of faith in God.
- Peacemakers: This is referring to us loving our enemies and those who harm us. This identifies us as being God’s children because He to loved us when were full of sin making us His enemies and that all was erased when He died for us.
- Persecution: Encouragement to stand firm in our faith in the face of opposition.
As with the rest of Jesus’ ministry, He focuses on matters of the heart not outer appearances. Notices that the Pharisees would not have made it into this list anywhere. God is not impressed by how much money you have to give, how many times a day you prayed, or anything else that was done superficially. He wants people who have pure hearts, to love one another, to be just, and to be humble.
It is also important to note that Jesus emphasizes the oppressed in this list. In fact, His entire ministry focuses on the lowly and the outcasts. He came to heal the sick and restore sight to the blind. It should be no surprised that in this sermon he emphasizes the hope that we all need for the future. These sayings of Jesus also appear in Luke and he ads to them with this warning.
“But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will mourn and weep.
Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,
for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
(Luke 6:24-26)
It’s not that rich people are bad. God still loves a rich person if they have their hearts right. Someone once said, it’s not a sin to live wealthy, it’s a sin to die wealthy. There is a bit of gospel truth there. If we are blessed with the means to help others and we do not do it, we have a serious issue of the heart and you better believe God will not turn a blind eye to that injustice.
[Post image used from http://nearlychristian.com]