Jesus gathers the followers along the mountain side. He presents what has been called “The Sermon on the Mount.” We have come to call them the Beatitudes.
In Matthew, chapter 5 we find these words:
“The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted.
The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth.
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled.
The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy.
The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God.
The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God.
Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
“You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me.
Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:1-12 (HCSB)
The word “beatitude” means, “supreme blessedness.”
The Greek is “blessed” meaning “happy, blissful” or, literally, “to be enlarged.” Here, Jesus uses the word to refer to more than a superficial happiness; in this context, blessed refers to a state of spiritual well-being and spiritual prosperity.
Those who experience the first aspect of a beatitude (poor, mourn, meek, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure, peacemakers, and persecuted) will also experience the second aspect of the beatitude (kingdom of heaven, comfort, inherit the earth, filled, mercy, see God, called sons of God, inherit the kingdom of heaven).
The blessed have a share in salvation and have entered the kingdom of God, experiencing a foretaste of heaven. Another possible rendering of the beginning of each beatitude is “O the bliss [or blessedness] of . . . .”
The Beatitudes describe the ideal disciple and his rewards, both present and future. The blessed person has a different quality of character and lifestyle than those still “outside the kingdom.”
Jesus gives eight characters of blessed people, which represent to us the principal graces of a Christian.
These Scriptures will encourage you and give you hope as you face today knowing that you are called blessed! No matter your age, job, or family role, if you apply the beatitudes to your life you will experience a joyful, fulfilled life!
Prayer:
“Holy Father, thank you for giving us Your Son Jesus to teach us, to lead us, to give us eternal hope. It is a joy to be able to share this week with this listening audience. May You shower us with your blessings, giving us opportunity to share of Your Story of love and life. Today, we praise you and lift up the cross of Jesus for all to see the sacrifice of love You have given so we may know blessedness in this life and in the life to come. In Your name I pray, Amen.”
Peace…