Beattitudes - Part 1

I do not recall ever truly studying the Beattitudes. We have all read them a number of times but they seem a little uncomfortable and confusing. As the preamble to Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, we tend to gloss over them and move on to the parts of Jesus’s sermon that are easier to digest. However, given that the Sermon on the Mount is the longest recorded teaching of Jesus, it’s probably be a good idea for us to pay attention to the messages contained in these nine verses. We are going to take a deep dive over the next several weeks in doing so.

In the Beattitudes, Jesus is describing what a life looks that is “blessed.” Blessed is a word that gets thrown around in a lot of different contexts these days but the real context that matters is - a life that sits under the blessing of God. We get to hear this description of what a blessed life looks like directly from Jesus. What we we hear from Him, we also will see in His life.

The Beattitudes are the identifying marks of a Christian. They are how we can be recognized as followers of Christ. It is not enough that we just believe because “even the demons believe - and shudder.” James 2:19. It is also not enough that we have a great resume of works etc… Followers of Christ experience transformation in their lives and produce identifying marks that distinguish us as His people.

The Beattitudes are not the pathway to becoming a Christian. Instead, they tell us what a Christian looks like. However, we don’t need to be discouraged because none of us are finished products. We should all have “pardon our progress” signs hanging from our necks. The Beattitudes provide a measurable key to progress - a way to see if the life of Christ has taken root in our hearts.

The Beattitudes comprehensively cover our life as Christians. They are written in a progression that builds upon each another. Like swinging from monkey bars, we gain momentum as we grow into the next one. The first three give us our foundation - the roots of a godly life. The next three provide a picture of a life of godliness. The final three show us the fruit of our faith.

I have found some amazing teaching that has really helped me understand the Beattittudes in a way that I never have before. I am excited to share these truths with you about these nine verses. I am confident that you will see them in a whole new light and be encouraged and challenged by your newly found understanding of them.

Matt. 5:3-11 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Stay hungry,

Big E

Matt. 5:6