Chapter 10
THE BEATITUDES
(Matthew 5:1-12)
Before we begin let us come before God the Father and ask for His blessing upon this study,
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the Name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Father we ask for You to please bless this study of Your Word. Please cause us to understand and accept what You are teaching us. And, Father please help us to go forth and live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to You.
Amen
INTRODUCTION
In our study of the Gospel according to Matthew we now come to the part where he records for us the famous sermon Jesus gave on the mountainside. His sermon begins with what is generally known as the beatitudes, which according to Webster's New World Dictionary means: "perfect blessedness or happiness."
To begin our study of Jesus' sermon on the mountainside let us read the beatitudes as recorded in,
Matthew 5:1-12
"[1] 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: [3] "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."
As one reflects upon the above teachings the following questions may arise: "Is Jesus serious?” “Is this the way Jesus is teaching us to live and behave?” “Is it really possible to live this way?" The key to the answer for these questions lies within the command the Apostle Paul gave for us to imitate him as he imitated Christ. This command is recorded for us in,
1 Corinthians 11:1
"[1] Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
The Apostle Paul also reiterated this command in a little different manner in his letter to the Philippians. This version is recorded for us in,
Philippians 3:17
"[17] Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you."
Thus, to find the answers to the above questions we will first read each precept of the beatitudes and then see if and how Jesus and His disciples lived in a manner that was consistent with them.
The first beatitude we read is for us to be,
POOR IN SPIRIT, THAT IS NOT ARROGANT OR PROUD
This beatitude is recorded for us in,
Matthew 5:3
""[3] Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
A good example of Jesus' humility is when He washed His disciple's feet. This event is recorded for us in,
John 13:1-17
"[1] It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. [2] The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. [3] Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; [4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [5] After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [6] He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" [7] Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." [8] "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." [9] "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" [10] Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." [11] For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. [12] When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. [13] "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. [16] I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
Let us notice the following verses,
3 … Jesus knew who He was and the authority and power He had. Yet, He chose to humble Himself and wash the feet of His disciples.
6-8(a) … At this time Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ or God's anointed One. Hence, he did not want Jesus to wash his feet.
15-17 … Jesus did this as a vivid example of how His disciples should behave towards one another.
An example of the humility of the Apostle Paul can be seen by how he described his feelings and attitude when he first came to the city of Corinth. He records his feelings and attitude in,
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
"[1] when I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. [2] For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. [3] I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. [4] My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, [5] so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."
Let us notice the following verses,
1-2 … Paul did not try to impress his listeners with his vast learning and command of the language. No, Paul only preached and taught about Jesus Christ and His crucifixion.
3 … Paul came to Corinth in fear and trembling. In other words he did not come to them in an arrogant, self righteous or proud manner.
4-5 … The Apostle Paul relied upon God to teach and bring the people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The second beatitude recorded is for us to be,
THOSE WHO MOURN
This beatitude is recorded for us in,
Matthew 5:4
"[4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
This beatitude is given to teach us to mourn and grieve because of the sin and wantonness of the world. In other words, we are to mourn over those who are still lost.
A good example of how Jesus mourned for those who were lost is the times when He entered into the city of Jerusalem. The first time He entered into the city of Jerusalem Jesus knew that His crucifixion was drawing near. As He approached the city He mourned over those who lived there. This is recorded for us in,
Luke 13:34-35
""[34] O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! [35] Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'""
The next time we read about Jesus mourning over Jerusalem was when He was about to enter in to it. The passage of interest for this entry into Jerusalem is,
Luke 19:41-44
"[41] As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it [42] and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. [43] The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. [44] They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.""
Let us notice the following verse,
41-42 … Knowing that the majority of people living in Jerusalem would reject Him and bring judgement upon themselves, Jesus mourned and cried over them.
43-44 …Jesus foretold that because of their rejection of Him the city will be destroyed. This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD by the Roman army under the authority of General Titus.
An example of Paul's concern for his lost Jewish brethren is given to in,
Romans 9:1-4
"[1] I speak the truth in Christ--I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit-- [2] I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. [3] For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, [4] the people of Israel. …"
The third beatitude of Jesus' sermon on the mountainside is for us to be,
MEEK, THAT IS GENTLE, PATIENT, MILD AND SUBMISSIVE
This beatitude is recorded for us in,
Matthew 5:5
"[5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
An example of Jesus' meekness was illustrated when He submitted to the authority that God the Father gave to the Roman governor Pilate. To see the meekness Jesus displayed let us read from,
John 19:6-11
"[6] As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!" But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him." [7] The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God." [8] When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, [9] and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. [10] "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" [11] Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.""
Let us notice the following verses,
6 … The chief priests and their officials demanded that Pilate crucify Jesus. However, Pilate did not find any basis or reason to crucify Jesus.
7-8 … After Pilate heard the people say that Jesus identified Himself to be the Son of God Pilate became concerned about sentencing Him to death.
9-10 … Pilate was astonished that Jesus did not defend Himself. He also informed Jesus that he, Pilate, had the authority to either let Him live or sentence Him to death.
11 … Jesus reveals to us that the power Pilate had was given to him by God the Father. Consequently, Jesus was submitting to the Father's will enacted through Pilate.
A great example of the meekness of Jesus' disciples is beautifully displayed by Stephen. The meekness of Stephen is recorded for us as we read about his attitude and behavior during the time he was being stoned for preaching the Gospel. This event is recorded for us in,
Acts 7:54-58(a)
"[54] When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. [55] But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. [56] "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." [57] At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, [58] dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. ..."
Notice that Stephen did not struggle, fight, cuss or curse in an effort to save his life. This brings home the point of the following Scripture,
Romans 8:35-36
"[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.""
In other words, this Scripture is referring to the love the born again believer in Christ Jesus should have towards God the Father. To see this let us continue reading from,
Romans 8:37-39
"[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The fourth beatitude is for us to,
HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
This beatitude is recorded for us in,
Matthew 5:6
"[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
With respect to Jesus Christ we all know that He was and is the only begotten Son of God. Thus He was sinless and by nature righteous. In addition, Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law but fulfill it. This is recorded in,
Matthew 5:17
[17] “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
As we discovered in Chapter 5, to comply with law of the priesthood, Jesus, for His anointing into the priesthood submitted to the required washing of water. To see this we go to,
Matthew 3:13-16
[13] Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. [14] And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” [15] But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. [16] When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
On the other hand since we are mere mortals, the righteousness we are to hunger and thirst for is the righteousness that comes from God. For us to truly see and understand this, we must first come to accept that in God's eyes our righteousness, that is the self righteousness we try to create or manufacture in our own strength, is like a filthy rag. To see this let us read from,
Isaiah 64:6
"[6] All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."
Since we can never be righteousness enough through our own merits, the Bible teaches us that true righteousness can only come to us through faith and belief in God.
To see this let us read that Paul actually rejected the righteousness he had from following the Law. He did this to receive the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Him.
This is recorded for us in,
Philippians 3:3-9
"[3] For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh-- [4] though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. [7] But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
Let us notice the following verses,
3-6(a) … In these verses the Apostle Paul reveals to us how distinguished he became within the Jewish faith.
6(b) … Based upon his credentials, zeal and activities he performed for the Jewish faith Paul was able to powerfully state that with respect to the righteousness derived from the law, he was blameless.
7-8 … Paul considered all these credentials to be rubbish compared to the knowledge of Christ and to be found in Him.
9 … The righteousness Paul hungered and thirsted for was the righteousness that comes from God by faith in Him.
The fifth beatitude is for us to,
BE MERCIFUL
This beatitude is recorded for us in,
Matthew 5:7
"[7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
A great example of Jesus exhibiting this beatitude was when He was on the cross and prayed for the Father to forgive those who put Him there. The account of this event is recorded in,
Luke 23:33-34
"[33] When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left. [34] Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."
As we read the New Testament we also discover that this beatitude was also part of the disciples make up. A good illustration of this is when Stephen was being stoned to death for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While he was being stoned he, as Jesus, prayed to God to forgive those who were killing him. This is recorded for us in,
Acts 7:59-60
"[59] While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep."
The sixth beatitude we read is for us to be,
PURE IN HEART
This beatitude is recorded for us in,
Matthew 5:8
"[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
As we read the Bible we find that Jesus, being the Son of God, knew no sin. This is recorded for us in,
1 Peter 2:22
""[22] He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.""
The New Testament teaches us that through faith in Jesus Christ and in His death and resurrection we receive the forgiveness for our sins and are redeemed from the power of sin and Satan. As a result, one of the many significant side benefits we receive is a clear conscience. To see this let us read how the Apostle Paul compares the effect of the blood of the animals sacrificed in the Old Testament days to the effect of the blood that Jesus offered on the cross. This comparison is recorded in,
Hebrews 9:12-14
"[12] He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. [13] The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. [14] How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"
Let us notice the following verses,
12-13 … The blood of the Old Testament sacrifices was to only outwardly clean those who were being outwardly sanctified.
14 … The Blood of Christ cleanses or purifies our consciences, that is our hearts, so we can better serve God.
With this glorious blessing in mind we find the Apostle Paul was able to say that he had a clear conscience which means he was pure in heart. To see this let us read from,
2 Timothy 1:3
"[1] I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, ..."
The seventh and last beatitude is for us to be,
PEACEMAKERS
This beatitude is recorded for us in,
Matthew 5:9
"[9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."
In reading the New Testament we discover that the primary reason Jesus came to this earth was to bring about peace between us and God the Father. This peace was ultimately brought about through the shedding of His blood for the forgiveness and redemption of our sins. To see this let us read the following excerpt of what the Holy Spirit wrote with respect to how God the Father extended His peace to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The passage of interest is,
Colossians 1:19-20
"[19] For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
Since the Apostle Paul was a preacher and teacher of the Gospel he considered himself as a minister of peace, which is a peacemaker. In other words his calling or ministry was one of reconciliation between God and man. To see this let us read from,
2 Corinthians 5:18-20
"[18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."
THE HOW TO
Now that we see and understand that Jesus, Paul and the other disciples of Jesus Christ lived their lives in a manner consistent with the beatitudes, the question arises as to, "How?" “How were they able to do this?”
To find the answer to these questions let us again look to the example that Jesus gave us. As we read and study what He did and said we discover that Jesus did not serve Himself. Instead, Jesus was completely obedient to the Father's will. To see this let us read an excerpt of what Jesus once said to those who asked Him to perform a sign that would demonstrate that He was the Son of God. Since this type of sign that the people were asking for was not to be given, Jesus responded as follows,
John 6:38-38
"[38] For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me."
In like manner we are to be obedient to His, Jesus', will. The Apostle Paul records for us that this was his way of life in,
Galatians 2:20
"[20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
In other words, the born again believer is to live their lives in such a manner that through the Holy Spirit, Jesus will live His life in and through us. Thus, it will be the Holy Spirit’s love working through us that enables us to live a life in a manner consistent with the beatitudes. To see this let us consider the following Scriptures from,
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a
[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. [2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. [3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. [4] Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; [5] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; [6] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [8] Love never fails …”
In reading the New Testament we discover that when we live our life in the above manner we will most likely be persecuted. In fact Jesus plainly tells us that we should expect this. To read what He said we go to,
John 15:18-21
[18] “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. [19] If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. [20] Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. [21] But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
Consequently, Jesus also teaches us that if we are persecuted for following Him then we are truly blessed. To see this, let us now read,
THE BLESSINGS OF PERSECUTION
To do this we go to,
Matthew 5:10-12
[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. [12] Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
THE MESSAGE
As we reflect upon this study we find that Jesus is indeed serious about teaching us to live and behave in a manner that is consistent with the beatitudes. In addition we find that He has made it possible for us to do this. Specifically, as we yield ourselves to God the Holy Spirit living within us, He will do it for us.
Hence, the following exhortation,
2 Peter 1:3-11
"[3] His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. [5] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. [10] Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, [11] and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
CLOSING
Before we close this study there is one more question to be addressed. Specifically; “Suppose I have failed?” “Suppose there have been times when my life was not consistent with the beatitudes?” “Does this mean it is over for me?” “Does it mean I am no longer saved or a born again Christian?”
To address these questions let us first note that in verse 8, it does not say these qualities must be perfected. Instead, it says they should be increasing.
With this in mind, let us read the following excerpt from the Apostle John’s first epistle.
1 John 1:8-2:2
[8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
[2:1]My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. [2] And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
Blessed be the Lord forever
Amen and Amen