The Beatitudes are a set of 8 statements that contain a blessing that will be given to the person who possesses the certain character quality it describes. They come from the opening verses of the famous sermon on the mount delivered by Jesus Christ and recorded in Matthew 5: 3-12 and a smaller version in Luke 6: 20-26.
Each beatitude begins with the word “blessed are”. And initially, Jesus was saying that joy and happiness will be for those who possess these certain qualities. Let’s find out what the Beatitudes mean and why they are so important.
WHY ARE THE BEATITUDES IMPORTANT?
Even though they were spoken to Jesus’ disciples they are still valid for living today. When we live these characteristics out, we are shaping our character to live for God’s kingdom here on earth.
THE BEATITUDES IN MATTHEW 5: 3-12
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for, in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
WHAT DO THE BEATITUDES MEAN?
Let’s go ahead and dive a little deeper into the meaning of each beatitude, shall we?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
This is describing a person who recognizes his or her need for God. Who realize that they are missing something in their life that can only be filled by God. Poor in spirit is generally understood as meaning to be humble in spirit.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”
Many scholars believe that this passage may be referring to those who repent of their sins, that mourn for their sins, for they will be comforted and forgiven.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”
To be meek is to be gentle, quiet, and submissive. To be patient and long-suffering. So this verse is referring to those who are allowing God to have control in their life. They are submissive to him and they quietly wait on him.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled”
“Hunger and thirst” speak of a deep need and driving passion. Those that have a deep need to do the will of God. God is the most important thing in their life. They will be filled. Their thirst quenched, their hunger satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy”
To show mercy is to show compassion and forgiveness to someone who deserves to be punished. Jesus is saying a good life comes to those who offer what is undeserved, mercy. It will not come to those who hang on to the past or those who are stingy with their grace.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”
In today’s world, we tend to focus on outward appearance instead of focusing on the heart. We focus on fixing our actions rather than focusing on Jesus. When we focus on Jesus our actions will change. Not the other way around. Blessed are those who do the right things for the right reasons.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”
God is our peacemaker. And when we pursue peace we are being like God. So we are to have God’s peace and we need to bring peace to others.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me”
Just as Jesus faced persecution so will his followers. Part of being a peacemaker is sharing the message of peace with others. And when we share with others we may be persecuted. Followers of Jesus are meant to make a difference in the world. And we can rejoice to know that our home is not here on this earth but in heaven with our Lord and savior.
CONCLUSION
Jesus is revealing to us how his kingdom works. And it is different than anything the world has seen. Jesus wants us to live by these statements. No matter who you are if you apply the beatitudes to your life you will experience a joy-filled life.
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