The BeatitudesSample

This passage in the gospels is one of my favorites and one that I frequently go back to. Jesus is preaching to multitudes; people have gathered to hear Him speak because He is already widely known for healing and wise teachings.The Kingdom of Heaven is unlike anything this earth knows: it is an inverted Kingdom. The world views the poor in spirit, mourners, and the meek as less than, but Jesus contradicts this.

The “beatitudes” are an introduction to a different way of living life, one that honors God. “Blessed” is a state of well-being in relationship to God. These nine statements are invitations to a new way of living, and in Jesus we find the fulfillment of these blessings. This is not a new set of rules, but an invitation to see God through Jesus. The first three encourage surrender. Jesus encourages those who are poor in spirit. This refers to a spiritual humility. When we realize our need for Jesus, we stop relying on our own strength and turn to the Lord. Jesus doesn’t bless those who are self-sufficient or spiritually impressive. He blesses those who acknowledge the fact that they cannot save themselves.

Jesus addresses those who mourn. During Jesus’ time on earth, mourning was a very outward and communal expression of grief. This looked like loud weeping, tearing of garments, wearing sackcloth (uncomfortable clothing), sitting in/pouring ashes on one’s head, and fasting. This was shown in grief over loss, but also grief over sin. However, Jesus says that He will comfort those who mourn. We can trust that the Lord wants to give us peace in times of distress. God doesn’t ignore lament, but chooses to meet us in it When Jesus states that the meek will inherit the earth, things truly seem upside down. How does one who chooses humility inherit anything? The world teaches rewarding dominance and power, but Jesus blesses the gentle. Jesus exemplifies a life of humility and teaches us to trust God instead of strive for control.

In order to receive these blessings that Jesus promises, we must surrender our pride, denial, and control. However, when we choose to yield, we receive blessings far greater. Jesus is teaching His followers what it means to have a heart after the Father’s. The Beatitudes remind us that blessing is not found in climbing higher, but in bowing lower. Surrender helps us to grow even closer to the king.