for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12
Remember, the beattitudes were being taught to the disciples. Lots of people were listening, but Jesus's focus was his disciples. These 9 beattitudes should be present in each disciple's life. They are current status, not conditional or in the future.
"Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7
What is mercy? A compassionate response to human need; forgiveness of offenses toward us.
Here is Jesus showing mercy:
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36
"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick."
Matthew 14:14
"39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.
42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Luke 18:39-42
When and why do we forgive others?
* Do we forgive others as God forgives us?
*Do we forgive others so that God will forgive us?
* Does God forgive us first and then we are able to forgive?
All 3!
"And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors." Matthew 6:12
"We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19
"Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God." Single-minded, not double-minded. God first -- always first. Focused on God. Top priority -- way beyond any other priorities.
"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
1 Timothy 1:5
"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a]" Matthew 22:37
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9
What are peacemakers?
They aren't merely peaceful. They aren't pacifist. They take action. Not avoidance, but seeking to help with conflict. First to forgive, first to repent; intentionally standing between two opposing parties. Seeks the conflict.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
Seeks peace for others; seeks and speaks truth. Call out what is wrong.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18
"5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed." Matthew 8:5-8
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10
Persecuted for God's righteousness, for your relationship with Christ (not self-righteousness).
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." John 15:18
Darkness and Light. The world is in darkness. Christ is the light. The world hates the light of Christ.
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted," 2 Timothy 3:12
Matthew 5:11-12 should be formated like this:
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you,
persecute you and falsely
say all kinds of evil against you
because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad,
because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
1st Line
negative line
negative line
JESUS
Positive line
Positive line
Last line.
This was a form of poetry the people would have been familiar with. Yet, people don't want to hear what God has to say if they are living in the world living a worldly life.
What's true? The Bible.
The ugly stuff (the 2 negative lines above) are beautiful to God.