The Beatitudes sum up Jesus’ teaching about what it means to live as a child of God’s kingdom. They can be found right at the beginning of a long passage of teaching by Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, known as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7).
Just as Moses taught the people of Israel from the mountain after he had received the Commandments, Jesus begins his ministry by going up a mountain and teaching his disciples.
The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The notes from the Life Application Study Bible on this passage are very helpful…
Matthew 5 LASB – These verses can be understood in at least four ways: (1) They are a code of ethics and a standard of conduct for all believers. (2) They contrast Kingdom values (what is eternal) with worldly values (what is temporary). (3) They contrast the superficial “faith” of the Pharisees with the real faith that Jesus demands. (4) They show how Old Testament expectations will be fulfilled in the new Kingdom.
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