Beatitudes -Mattew 5:3-12

Introduction

Sermon on the mount is one of the remarkable teaching of Jesus, it is believed to have attracted a huge number of devotees than any other discourse, to such have philosophers, activist and other who not Christians .

What makes the sermon on the mount so special?

1. it is believed that the literature is exceedingly large with more than 30 interpretation

2. It is well structured.

a. Introduction; Beatitudes/ salt & light metaphors

( 5:3 - 16)

b. Thesis statement ( 5:17-20)

c. Contrast Jesus teaching with law by means of antithesis (5:21-48)

d Contrast on true and hypocrisy piety ( 6:1-18)

e. Social issues, Commands on money and true riches (6:19 - 34)

f. Further command on how to treat others ( 7:1-12)

g. 3 illustrated responses ( 7:13-27)

Blessed

The word for blessed in Greek is Makarios.2. makarios (μακάριος, 3107), akin to A, No. 3, is used in the beatitudes in Matt. 5 and Luke 6, is especially frequent in the Gospel of Luke, and is found seven times in Revelation, 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7, 14. It is said of God twice, 1 Tim. 1:11; 6:15. In the beatitudes the Lord indicates not only the characters that are “blessed,” but the nature of that which is the highest good

W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 70.

Makarios is a state of existence in relationship to God in which a person is “blessed” from God’s perspective even when he or she doesn’t feel happy or isn’t presently experiencing good fortune. This does not mean a conferral of blessing or an exhortation to live a life worthy of blessing; rather, it is an acknowledgment that the ones indicated are blessed. Negative feelings, absence of feelings, or adverse conditions cannot take away the blessedness of those who exist in such a relationship with God! - John MacArthur

Poor in spirit

Lexham Theological Wordbook πτωχός

ptōchos). adj. poor, destitute. Refers to being poor, especially so poor as to be dependent on others for support.

Lexham Theological Wordbook (πτωχός)

are contrasted with the rich (Matt 19:21; Luke 14:12–13; 16:19–20; Jas 2:1–9).

Lexham Theological Wordbook πτωχός

indeed, the kingdom of God belongs to the poor

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 5

poor in spirit Refers to those in Jesus’ day who recognize and bear their desperate plight, and who long for God’s restoration through the Messiah.

Mourn

Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament πενθέω

(pentheō), VB. mourn; be sad; grieve. fut.act. πενθήσω; aor.act.

Meek

Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament πραΰς

. meek person — a person characterized by being humble, gentle, and mild.

Conclusion

God describes those who are not self - confident, incompetence and self reliant to truly happy.

He see those who are not pleasure seekers, not fun to be around with as happy.

He see those who are not proud, not powerful obviously less important as happy.

John MacArthur [ The tree of happiness does not grow in a curse earth. Physical things do not touch the soul.] in the sermon happiness .