Chapter five begins what is known as “The Sermon on the Mount.” It begins with the Beatitudes. These are blessings on those who are fit to enter into the Kingdom of God. You know them, but briefly, here they are from the English Standard Version. There are eight of them: 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples after he separated himself from the crowds. He wanted His followers to understand the vast difference between His followers and the followers of the world’s religious and political and social systems.
J. B. Phillips, in his book “When God Was Man,” points out the difference between the core values of Jesus’ followers and the core values of other world systems. He writes this version of the Beatitudes: 1. Happy are the pushers, for they get on in the world. 2. Happy are the hard-boiled, for they never let life hurt them. 3 Happy are they who complain, for they get their own way in the end. 4. Happy are the blasé, for they never worry over their sins. 5. Happy are the slave drivers, for they get results. 6. Happy are the knowledgeable men of the world, for they know their way around. 7. Happy are the troublemakers, for they make people take notice of them. (I add the 8th one) 8. Happy are the famous and popular, they get all the rewards.
Chuck
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:3