Lesson 2 - The Beatitudes Part 1

Matthew 5:3-12

Here we have a list of ways to be blessed. Jesus gives us nine characteristics of those who are truly happy.

“The first four Beatitudes, or “blessed sayings,” portray the ideal heart condition of kingdom citizens; the latter five present the actions resulting from this attitude of heart. Together they emphasize being and living rather than doing, so that the kingdom citizen responds instinctively to various situations as they arise… The Beatitudes, so designated because of the form of the statement, “Blessed are,” describe the character traits of those accepted as citizens of the kingdom of God and set forth both the present and future blessings of those whose lives portray these virtues. They describe different experiences and attitudes of one person, rather than eight or nine different categories of people.” The Believer’s Study Bible

Notice how these nine characteristics stand in stark contrast to the world’s ways of success and happiness. The beatitudes are sacred paradoxes. Poor in Spirit, mourning, etc the way to happiness? Its as if as one writer said, “Jesus went into the great display window and changed all the price tags.” Is it any wonder that men do their best to find an easier way to heaven? The way of truth and real happiness is the way of death to self and sacrifice.

It is well to note that they are be–attitudes, not do–attitudes. They state what the subjects of the Kingdom are—they are the type of person described in the Beatitudes.[i]

I also want to point out that there is a logical order to these beatitudes, Jesus wasn’t just giving off thoughts at random, he had a logical conclusion he was aiming for. These have to be followed in this order to find the true way of Blessing that Jesus has promised us.

The Beatitudes are progressive. As will be seen as each one is discussed in detail, they are not in a random or haphazard order. Each leads to the other in logical succession. Being poor in spirit reflects the right attitude we should have to our sinful condition, which then should lead us to mourn, to be meek and gentle, to hunger and thirst for righteousness, to be merciful, pure in heart, and have a peacemaking spirit. A Christian who has all those qualities will be so far above the level of the world that his life will rebuke the world-which will bring persecution from the world (5:10–12) and light to the world (vv. 14–16).

[ii]

The word “Beatitude” or blessed refers to the distinct spiritual joy which comes to someone from his share in the salvation of the kingdom of God. Its root word means “large” or “lengthy,” meaning “fortunate” or “happy.” It does not mean the happiness that comes from luck or favorable circumstances, but the joy, contentment, satisfaction we find in being indwelt by Christ. It can also be defined as “fully satisfied” Wuest translates it “Spiritually Prosperous”

Notice this blessing is in stark contrast to the curses of the Law, also notice they cannot be carried out till there is a change in the heart. Trying to live by these without having the liver on the inside is like trying to make Isaiah’s passage of the lion and the lamb lying down together, until the lion’s nature is changed when it gets hungry it will eat the lamb. Until our nature is changed we won’t find the way of true blessing.

Three aspects of beatitude

1. Pronouncing a blessing (Blessed)

2. Particular quality of life (a picture of the type of person who will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven)

3. People’s acceptability. (Looks ahead to some part of the Kingdom that is coming)

Look at verses 3 & 10 they are both in the present tense, giving us a perfect picture of how our blessings begin on earth. The rest are in the future tense “Shall, or Shall be” or the NIV has “Will, or Will be”

I. Verse 3 – Poor in Spirit - “Your blessed when you are at the end of your rope” Message Bible

· Destitute of spirit (realizing your need) It doesn’t just mean poor but begging poor.

· Dependence on God (Should produce)

· Detached from Pride and haughtiness (God resiseth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble, 1Pe 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Humility is the first step to the means of grace. Pride has no place in the kingdom of God. Proverbs tells us that God hates even a proud look.

I think of the Pharisee and publican.

Theirs is the kingdom of Heaven – When we give up our kingdom God gives us his.

II. Verse 4 they that mourn – There are nine Greek words for mourn this is the most severe form of mourning. Used when one loses a loved one.

a. mourning for sins (repentance)

i. The world says “Don’t worry, be happy”

ii. Jesus says see your sins for what they are, confess them and if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1. You tell me a man with a sentence of death on him and is pardoned isn’t comforted from his mourning and agony. God has promised comfort

b. Could also be taken for the suffering as saints.

I walked a mile with Pleasure,

She chattered all the way,

But left me none the wiser

For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,

And ne’er a word said she,

But, oh, the things I learned from her

When Sorrow walked with me. Robert Browning Hamilton[iii]

III. Verse 5 Meekness – not the same as weakness.

a. A fruit of the Spirit

b. Characteristic of Christ

c. Synonymous with those who “wait on the Lord, and keep his ways” Psalm 37:34

[i]McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary: The Gospels (Matthew 1-13). electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1991 (Thru the Bible Commentary 34), S. 72 [ii]MacArthur, John: Matthew. Chicago : Moody Press, 1989, S. 145 [iii]MacArthur, John: Matthew. Chicago : Moody Press, 1989, S. 155