Sermon on the mount Martthew 5: 1-12

Matthew: 5 ­is called The Sermon on the Mount

The teaching by Jesus has three distinct sections. My NASB study Bible states it this way.

The Beatitudes, i.e. declarations  of Blessedness Versus 5: 1-12

Ethical admonitions verses 5: 13-20

Contrasts between Jesus’ Ethical teaching and Jewish legalistic traditions

The sermon ends with a parable stressing the importance of practicing what Jesus taught in the sermon. It also shows the amazement of the people and the power in which he spoke.

From the NASB study bible Zondervan Publishing

Matthew 5 First 12 verses of the Sermon on the Mount

The first 12 verses are called the beatitudes. It was the first ministry of Jesus and he covered a wide range of items. The first two verses are an introduction to the next 10 verses. Bible.org is a good source of information.

Blessed is used in all the verses. It appears to most of us that it means happy, but is used here to be more like “right with God”, or the ultimate well being and spiritual joy of the individual. I would combine the two thoughts. Who wouldn’t be happy if they knew they were right with the ruler of the universe. It was also been pointed out in my readings that no one person can achieve this on their own. That would mean that you have to have Christ in your life or it cannot be achieved. Once you have accepted Christ the  Holy Spirit  is given to you and is there to guide you.

³Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The phrase “Poor in spirit” targets people like you and I. No person should think that he can go it alone. An arrogant spirit would mean you think you can go it alone. You need to give yourself over to Jesus because he and he alone is the pathway to salvation. See John 14:6

 ⁴Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

We all have mourned for someone or something. We as a nation mourned the death of President Kennedy. I have mourned the death of my parents and grandparents and a lot of friends. Some losses seem greater than others so one can assume that there is different levels of morning. Have you mourned for those with Ebola? Or nations that are starving? How about the peasants in North Korea? We have a lot to be grateful for here in the US and we also have a lot to mourn. Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. I know this may be after death but suffering for a earthly life time versus eternity. Hard to understand but then we do not know God's plan.

It is comforting to know that I will be in Heaven some days. Without the hope of Heaven is must be difficult to understand things that we mourn for.

⁵Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

The word “meek” is interchangeable with humble in this instance. There are so many references to this versus meanings that a book could be written about humble. Just a few are:

Psalm 37:11
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.

Isaiah 29:19
Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Numbers 12:3
Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.

 Now Moses was very humble, more humble than any other person on earth. I would study this verse on your own. The Lord never said be arrogant and you will inherit the earth. A Christian is not someone that is in your face condemning you to hell. They should be listening and be as understanding as they can be under the circumstances you put forth. A Christian should be the person you can trust and lean on in hard times. I know because when I was very ill I was surrounded by friends and prayers. You cannot ask for better people.

⁶Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.

This is not physical hunger for food. It is Hunger for God’s word and Jesus teachings. It is growing in your faith. You should be striving to be the best you can for Jesus. There are many versus that relate to this. King David mentioned this many times. Psalm 63:1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Even King David, called a man after God’s own heart, needed to be humble and seek God.

⁷Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.

We as Christians should always have mercy on others. Just think of all the Christian organizations that are helping others. Feed My Starving children is a great organization that our church participates in. The Feed My Starving children as a short picture video click here to see it. 50 Million meals were made and delivered to countries all around the world. If you were starving wouldn’t you like one of those packets? The Samaritan's purse helps in so many ways. Click here to see their page. There are others that do great things in the name of the Lord. Pick one had put your heart into it.

⁸Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Even though we sin on a daily basis this verse is advocating you to try to keep you heart (the center of your being) pure. Jesus came to give us a way to cleanse our sins. Praise God. 2 Cor. 5:21, "God made him who had no sin to be sin^[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God".

⁹Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.

Wyatt Earp was not a peacemaker, he was a sheriff among many other things some not so nice. Peacemakers are those that are striving for peace whenever they can. Romans 12: 18 says “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Meaning you can be a peacemaker.

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Christians are persecuted and have been since forever. You may have witnessed some or even been persecuted yourself. Jeffery Fowle was thrown into prison for leaving a Bible in a North Korean night club. For leaving a Bible behind you go to prison! There are all sorts of levels of wrong with going to jail for that except in North Korea. We just have to keep trying but the reward is there in the end.

Revelation 2:10 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.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.
The number is days is targeted to the end times but remains true even today but it could be a hour or your lifetime. God has a plan but Satan rules the earth in many ways.

Have a great day

Agape

Dave