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The Beatitudes – Matthew 5:3-12
The sun was high in the mid-day sky as the people gathered around near the sea. Families, friends and acquaintances from town had all come up to the hill that afternoon for something very special. But what, they did not know. Children ran and played on the rocks and along the paths under the tall trees, laughing and giggling as children do. Some had brought along small baskets of food, some had simply brought jugs of water as they sat amidst the tall grass in small groups.
A commotion was forming near the footpath from the city as people began to rise and press in surrounding the group of men walking there. The crowd of people moved as one as they made their way up the hillside, and as the path narrowed they dispersed and formed a semi-circle near the top of the hill. That’s when he emerged from the group and all the families, children and people silenced themselves and looked upon him, as he raised his hand to the skies and spoke.
Jesus stood on that hilltop and delivered his first sermon to the people of surrounding villages of Galilee and Judea.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” - Matthew 5:3-12
A commotion was forming near the footpath from the city as people began to rise and press in surrounding the group of men walking there. The crowd of people moved as one as they made their way up the hillside, and as the path narrowed they dispersed and formed a semi-circle near the top of the hill. That’s when he emerged from the group and all the families, children and people silenced themselves and looked upon him, as he raised his hand to the skies and spoke.
Jesus stood on that hilltop and delivered his first sermon to the people of surrounding villages of Galilee and Judea.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” - Matthew 5:3-12
No microphones, no speakers, no band, no lightshows, no choirs, no sermon notes, no bulletins, no pews; just the Lord speaking to the masses in a voice that I’m quite certain carried as far as the wanting ear could hear. The masses rose to their feet and drew closer because what He was preaching was not what they had heard in their Synagogues in their lifetime. This was a message of love, serving others, purity, comfort and peace; not a message of longing, punishment and damnation. These words came from His mouth without reference to the scriptures of old, without reference to the Mosaic law or father Abraham. He spoke with authority from another place, and brought a different perspective to what it means to be a child of God.
This message is as true today as it was over 2000 years ago. We seek how to serve God in a stronger, more meaningful way; and from the words of His Son, Jesus Christ, we are told what it takes. Self-lessness, humility, a servants heart, purity in the heart, a hunger for righteousness, and loving of all mankind in peacefulness. We are told that it won’t be easy or without pain. There will be mourning, there will be persecution and evil thrown at you because of your stance. But, standing firm on this foundation of love and righteousness will result in the greatest reward one can imagine. Take up these blessings from the Lord and hold them close. His words are truth and righteous and can provide healing and strength in time of need. Write them upon your heart and mind and memorize them for when you are in need, they will provide your guidance. You are blessed by the One true God of the Universe, rejoice in it.
This message is as true today as it was over 2000 years ago. We seek how to serve God in a stronger, more meaningful way; and from the words of His Son, Jesus Christ, we are told what it takes. Self-lessness, humility, a servants heart, purity in the heart, a hunger for righteousness, and loving of all mankind in peacefulness. We are told that it won’t be easy or without pain. There will be mourning, there will be persecution and evil thrown at you because of your stance. But, standing firm on this foundation of love and righteousness will result in the greatest reward one can imagine. Take up these blessings from the Lord and hold them close. His words are truth and righteous and can provide healing and strength in time of need. Write them upon your heart and mind and memorize them for when you are in need, they will provide your guidance. You are blessed by the One true God of the Universe, rejoice in it.
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