Beatitudes: Overview
Matthew 5:1-12
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
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 sons 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.
Jesus begins the journey with what is commonly referred to as “the Beatitudes,” statements beginning with “blessed are.” The word blessed means “happy” or “fortunate.” Other passages translate blessed as “praised.” The essence of the meaning is joy. This is not something of the past or future but can be enjoyed now. This is a religious happiness as a result of divine favor. Do we value the favor we have been granted by the Heavenly Father? Some qualities mentioned by Jesus are unique and not something produced by self-righteousness, “the poor in spirit,” “those who mourn,” “the meek.” The conjunction “for” in each beatitude gives the cause or reason for the person possessing the spiritual quality – blessed.
What are some fortunate measures that God has given you?
“The beatitudes of the King indicate that it is not an either-or proposition, but the kingdom includes both physical and spiritual blessings. A careful study of the beatitudes demonstrates that the kingdom is a physical earthly kingdom with spiritual blessings founded on divine principles.”
– Toussaint, Stanley, Behold the King. Kregel Academics & Professional, 1980. page 94-97.
“Magna Carta” is Latin and means “Great Charter.” The Magna Carta was one of the most important documents of Medieval England.
The document was a series of written promises between the king and his subjects that he, the king, would govern England and deal with its people according to the customs of feudal law.
The Beatitudes has been described as the Magna Carta of the Kingdom of God. Here we see the promises given by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.