December 8th

The Beatitudes

Matthew 5:1-12

"Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them. He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”"

• This has nothing to do with financial status.
• To be poor in spirit is to recognize dependence on God. Psalm 51:17.
• And God says in Isaiah 57:15 that He is very close to whoever humbles himself in His presence.

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

• Ensures the lap of God the Father, Jesus´ friendly hug and comfort brought by the Holy Spirit.
• Isaiah 61:2-3
• James 4:9-10

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

• To the humble and meek, those who bend before the will of God.
• Psalm 37:11

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness , for they will be filled.”

• It is not a matter of revenge. It's a matter of seeing the right prevail. Psalm 55 1-3.
• Hunger and thirst for the word of God. Psalm 42

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

• What is mercy?   
• Mercy is a feeling that starts in me.
•  It comes first from God to me.  2 Corinthians 1:3
• If you are merciful happiness is guaranteed. Psalm 41:1
• But the punishment for the lack of mercy  is guaranteed too. James 2:13

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

• Pure in heart are those who seek holiness.
• Proverbs 4:23
• Mark 7:20-23
• Only those who save theirs hearts pure will see God. Psalm 24:3-4

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

• John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

"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.”

• James 1:2-4 – God is in control
• And a reward was promised! Isaiah 40:10

Characteristics of the Beatitudes´Sermon

• A small sermon inside a larger sermon
• The beatitudes sermon is part of a sequence
• On this first part , Jesus speaks about the rewards.
• It is a message of hope
• It is a timeless message of comfort
• It is a nowadays motivational speech.

What is the meaning of blessed?

• Blessed comes from the greek word Makarios and means "happy“.
• It is the happiness of belonging to God and being in peace with Him

(By Ana)