The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:3-11

3          “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

You have to recognize your need for God. Without a humble spirit we can receive nothing from the Lord. Jesus is telling us to admit to our spiritual bankruptcy.

4          Blessed are those who mourn,

For they shall be comforted.

Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah 61:2-3. We should mourn over the current state of our fallen world.

5          Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth.

The Kingdom requires a gentle and teachable spirit that enables us to view ourselves as we really are. Psalm 37:11 

6          Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

Jesus echoes Psalms 42:2 and 63:1. If we are full of the things of the world, we will never truly hunger and thirst after God. Ultimately we hunger and thirst for Christ’s return.

7           Blessed are the merciful,

For they shall obtain mercy.

The mercy we extend to others demonstrates how much we understand our need for mercy.

8          Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God.

Pure means unadulterated. Those whose heart is undivided will see God in everything.

9           Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

We should make Shalom wherever we go. That peace (shalom) characterizes the children of God.

10        Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11       “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12        Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Followers of Jesus should never be surprised by opposition, insult and persecution. In fact, we should rejoice for when we handle it in a God-honoring way, we will be rewarded.