By Sam E. Stone
For the next five weeks we will see how “Jesus Teaches Wisdom” from Matthew 5–6. The lessons come from our Lord’s famous “Sermon on the Mount.” It was delivered early in his earthly ministry. The message begins with what are called “The Beatitudes.” (The name comes from the Latin word beati, meaning blessed.) In this section Jesus outlined both the nature of his kingdom and the response he expects from his subjects.
The Place/ Matthew 5:1, 2
Throngs of people followed Jesus as he moved though the villages and open country of Galilee in northern Palestine. The traditional site of this sermon is a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum. When he was ready to begin, he sat down. This was the typical posture of a Jewish teacher when instructing his students (Mark 4:1; John 8:2). As his disciples gathered, he explained to the multitude what he taught in more detail to the 12 whom he chose to be apostles.
The Beatitudes/Matthew 5:3-12
A common expression in the Old Testament is literally, “Oh the blessedness . . . ” (Psalm 1:1). The word blessed means more than our English word happy. It describes a joy that is not dependent on the chances and changes of life. The believer can rejoice regardless of outward circumstances (John 16:22). “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Only those who sense their nothingness before God can participate in Christ’s kingdom. There God’s will is done on earth just as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10).
“Blessed are those who mourn.” That is, mourn in repentance for their sin (2 Corinthians 7:10). They will be comforted. Repentant sinners can receive God’s forgiveness. “The meek . . . will inherit the earth.” Like other Beatitudes, this runs completely counter to what the world thinks. True meekness is strength under restraint. It does not mean being a wimp. Moses, the powerful leader of the Hebrews, was meek (Numbers 12:3). Like a strong stallion that obeys his trainer, so the Christian is controlled by his Master.
“Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness . . . will be filled.” This pictures a person desperately seeking food or water in order to survive. It makes us ask, “Am I that concerned to be righteous, that desperate to do God’s will?” If we are, Jesus promises that we can be satisfied in him (Romans 8:3, 4). “The merciful . . . will be shown mercy.” Those who forgive will be forgiven (Matthew 6:14, 15; James 2:13; Matthew 18:35). J. W. McGarvey noted, “As meekness is rather a passive virtue, so mercy is an active one. The meek bear, and the merciful forbear.”
“The pure in heart . . . will see God.” The psalmist had enunciated this principle years before (Psalm 24:3, 4). The heart includes one’s will, mind, and emotions. Those whose hearts are regenerated by Christ (Ephesians 1:17-21) will one day see him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2, 4). “Peacemakers . . . will be called sons of God.” Peace includes not only freedom from trouble, but also the enjoyment of all that is good. When we seek to make peace with others, we are acting like our Father, the God of peace (Romans 15:33; Hebrews 13:20).
The closing verses of this section offer a special blessing to “those who are persecuted because of righteousness.” They are assured that “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Contrary to what we might expect, suffering for doing right carries with it a blessing (vv. 10-12). Jesus lists some specific forms of opposition: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you.” But here Jesus adds another qualification. Instead of simply being persecuted for the sake of righteousness, he speaks of persecution because of me.
Such persecution happened to Jesus and to the prophets before him. We should not be surprised when it happens to his followers today. Then our Lord gives an unexpected command: “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 taught the same lesson (James 1:2, 3). The apostles obeyed this directive when they were persecuted (Acts 5:41). We are assured that ultimately all the wrongs of this life will be righted. Years later the apostle Peter wrote, “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name”
(1 Peter 4:16).
Sam E. Stone is the former editor of Christian Standard. He continues his writing and speaking ministry from his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.