Matthew 5:1-12
When I am preaching I always think hard about the beginning of the sermon. What will grab people’s attention? What will make them want to listen to the rest of the message? Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount with a series of eight blessings. The Greek word for “blessed” is makarios, which the Amplified Classic Bible translates as “happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous – with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favour and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions”. God’s heart is to BLESS people; He wants us to live happy, healthy, prosperous and purposeful lives. However, Jesus makes it clear here that, in order to experience those blessings, our heart attitudes need to be right. When our desires line up with the Lord’s we are positioned for blessings.
The first blessing is for those who are “poor in spirit” (v.3). This refers to those who are humble, who are not trying to do things their own way or in their own strength but are living their lives in total dependence on God. Is this true of you? Jesus declares that such people will be given the gift of the kingdom. It is not something we can earn by our own effort.
The next blessing is for “those who mourn” (v.4). The mourning referred to here is deep, heartfelt grief at the sin, strife, sickness and destruction that was brought into the world by Adam and Eve’s rebellion. It involves repentance for one’s own sin and compassion for those who are oppressed by the devil. Do you share God’s hatred for sin and evil? The assurance is given that such people will be comforted.
The third blessing is for those who are “meek” (v.5). Meekness can be defined as strength that is under control. Meek people are not aggressive or demanding, like those in the world. Nor are they weak, but are submitted to God and gentle towards others. Does that describe you? The promise is that the meek will “inherit the earth”. It is not those who run after this world’s riches who receive, but those who look for nothing.
The next group of people who are blessed are “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v.6). This speaks of people who have a passionate desire to see the goodness of God manifested in their own lives and in the world around them. The promise to them is that they shall be satisfied.
God also blesses those who are “merciful” (v.7) and says that they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 7:2 tells us, “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” God has shown us such grace and forgiveness. How can we withhold that from others?
Verse 8 pronounces a blessing on those who are “pure in heart”. Purity of heart speaks of moral purity, sincerity and integrity. People with pure hearts do not pretend to be something they are not. They are honest, open and truthful with God and with people. Is that true of you? Jesus says these are the ones who will see God. Their knowledge and understanding of Him will grow as He reveals Himself to them.
“Peacemakers” are the next group of people who are blessed (v.9). Jesus came into the world to bring peace (Luke 2:14) and those who come to Him find peace with God, peace within themselves and peace with one another. He has committed to us the same ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). When we bring peace to those around us we reflect our likeness to God and He recognises us as His children.
The final group Jesus mentions are those who are “persecuted for righteousness’ sake”. Those who look like Jesus will experience opposition just as He did (2 Timothy 3:12). God does not promise that life in this world will always be easy for for Christians but we have His promise that “theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.
These are the kind of people God wants us to be as we live and work for Him in this world. This is the character that He will produce in us as we let His Holy Spirit do His work in our lives.
Prayer
Father God,
Thank You that You want to bless me and for this description of those who walk in Your blessings. Thank you that I have Jesus as my example and I have the Holy Spirit who is changing me from the inside out into His likeness. I pray that You would help me to cooperate with You as you challenge and mould me into someone who represents You and Your kingdom on the Earth.
Amen.
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