The Beatitudes: The New Testament 10 Commandments – Matthew 5:3-12

A total change in focus from law to grace. John 1:17 “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

1) Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Same as “repent and be baptized and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“ Acts 2:38 We must give up (bury) our spirit (in that watery grave) and replace it with the Holy Spirit. That is how we become the church, the present and future kingdom of heaven.

Poor in spirit is: willing, humble and teachable like a little child. Matthew 18:4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Like Jesus: willing to lay down our lives for others. “not my will but yours be done“ And like the first and greatest commandment to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matt 22:37 This is the pathway to the kingdom of heaven.

Ex: service, volunteer, give life and everything to God. Javier “I want that”, James baptism. Importance-First step!!!

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

Mourn is empathizing, hurting for those who are hurting. Caring for and helping others in a crisis. Like Jesus said, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 2nd great commandment.

Ex: call, card, pray together in crisis, not just any, but all the time. Be instant in prayer. Col. 4:2 Have prayer buddies. I have 3. Priceless!!!

3) Meek -inherit earth

Quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; nothing is an inconvenience. Eager to help. submissive. Moses chosen to lead Israel out of Egypt.

“Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Num 12:3) intimate friendship with God.

Inherit=own We: bride of Christ!!!

4) Hunger and thirst for righteousness, they shall be filled!

When hunger and thirst where do you go? Refrigerator??? Hunger and thirst for God where do you go? Scripture??? YES Matt 7:7 Ask for God’s righteousness Jesus: “ my peace I give to you.“ Hunger for all the fruits of the spirit. Hunger for all the attitudes of the spirit. Just ASK!

5) Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.

God’s way is to give according to your measure of faith, generosity, kindness, willingness etc. He says, “whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.“ Galatians 6:7

6) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. And I like to say they shall see God in everything. David prayed, “create in me a clean (pure) heart O God…” Psalm 51:10 Again, we must ask. Ask in biblical terminology is pray.

7) Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God. Notice: not peace lovers, but peacemakers. We take initiative. Remember: all gifts of God. “My peace I GIVE to you” Ex: Apologize for any offense. Ask for advice or recommendations. Listen till done.

8) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Righteousness is obedience to God.

Psalm 119:172 obedience to God‘s commands is righteousness. And Colossians 1:29 shows that it must be his energy not ours that must work in us.

9) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

What a total change in perspective. People’s comments, criticisms, and complaints need to be irrelevant compared to God’s word if there is a conflict. You cannot be a people pleaser and please God. If you are a friend of the world, (and the world’s way of operating), you will be an enemy of God. James 4:4

10) Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.