The Beatitudes
1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,
The crowds gathered to hear Jesus speak. They longed to hear His words of instruction – His words of Hope – His words of comfort. They gathered from all around the area – thousands upon thousands. Jesus went to the top of the mountain so that He could be heard.
2and he began to teach them saying:
He began speaking. The crowd became quiet.
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
We can and often do find ourselves boasting – elevating ourselves and our accomplishments over others. We must always point to God. We boast not in ourselves, but in God.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Each of us experiences losses in our lives. These losses may be anything from misplacing our car keys to having a dear one called home to heaven. Each time we grieve, God sends His words of comfort – His words of Hope. Often His comfort is extended to us through the words and actions of His people – His children comforting their siblings.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
It takes strength to be meek. The children of God have the strength that comes from the Holy Spirit to resist the temptations of the world. We do not have to turn from God to be happy and satisfied.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
God provides for our daily food – meat, drink and His Word. We hunger not just for earthly food, but the bread of life – His Holy Word – the Bible.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
We deserve nothing but separation from God. We are sinful people. Yet, even in our sin we can show mercy – undeserved goodness – to those around us. We thank God for His mercy through Jesus.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
In our sinful state our hearts often turn from God. Yet, we constantly trust in God’s promises to cleanse our hearts.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Peace – an emotional word. We yearn for peace among our family members. We long for peace in our community. We work for peace in the world. We pray that God will send His Peace – that we may be His instruments of peace.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Persecution takes many forms. We may be “talked about,” shunned, or even physically hurt for our faith. But that is OK. We are persecuted when we refuse to make fun of those who are different. We are persecuted when we put God first in our life – attend church, read the Bible and pray before meals. That is OK.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Yes, our reward is heaven. Thank God.
Prayer: Thank you God for Your gifts – mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that gives us faith. Amen.
The crowds gathered to hear Jesus speak. They longed to hear His words of instruction – His words of Hope – His words of comfort. They gathered from all around the area – thousands upon thousands. Jesus went to the top of the mountain so that He could be heard.
2and he began to teach them saying:
He began speaking. The crowd became quiet.
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
We can and often do find ourselves boasting – elevating ourselves and our accomplishments over others. We must always point to God. We boast not in ourselves, but in God.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Each of us experiences losses in our lives. These losses may be anything from misplacing our car keys to having a dear one called home to heaven. Each time we grieve, God sends His words of comfort – His words of Hope. Often His comfort is extended to us through the words and actions of His people – His children comforting their siblings.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
It takes strength to be meek. The children of God have the strength that comes from the Holy Spirit to resist the temptations of the world. We do not have to turn from God to be happy and satisfied.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
God provides for our daily food – meat, drink and His Word. We hunger not just for earthly food, but the bread of life – His Holy Word – the Bible.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
We deserve nothing but separation from God. We are sinful people. Yet, even in our sin we can show mercy – undeserved goodness – to those around us. We thank God for His mercy through Jesus.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
In our sinful state our hearts often turn from God. Yet, we constantly trust in God’s promises to cleanse our hearts.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Peace – an emotional word. We yearn for peace among our family members. We long for peace in our community. We work for peace in the world. We pray that God will send His Peace – that we may be His instruments of peace.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Persecution takes many forms. We may be “talked about,” shunned, or even physically hurt for our faith. But that is OK. We are persecuted when we refuse to make fun of those who are different. We are persecuted when we put God first in our life – attend church, read the Bible and pray before meals. That is OK.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Yes, our reward is heaven. Thank God.
Prayer: Thank you God for Your gifts – mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that gives us faith. Amen.