The first beatitude is found in Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus was teaching those who develop an attitude of humility and gratitude will trust in God to guide their lives. Pride, arrogance and superiority are promoted in today’s media, but the person who is ‘poor in spirit’ behaves differently.
In the book of Psalms and also in Isaiah we are urged to develop a “contrite spirit”: “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart; and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18). “But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2). The word contrite means “full of, or showing, remorse” or a willingness to say, “I’m sorry.” It’s a repentant attitude, with a desire to correct a wrong and obey God.
Those who mourn
The second beatitude is: “Blessed are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted“ (Matthew 5:4). Jesus wants us to be concerned when we fail to live up to God’s expectations by breaking His laws. ‘Mourning” involves a realisation we are in constant need of forgiveness, and includes a concern for others and the plight of this world. We should make ourselves aware of the trials others are enduring and pray for them. Jesus quoted a passage from Isaiah early in His ministry telling us He will comfort those who mourn (Isaiah 61:2 and Luke 4:17-21).
The meek
“Blessed are the meek” (Matthew 5:5) refers to submitting to God and patiently waiting for Him to work things out in your life. Christ set an example of humility by enduring crucifixion and dying so that others might live: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves….Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who…made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and…humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:3-8).
Those who hunger and thirst
The fourth beatitude tells us “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). Righteousness is not the same as self-righteousness, which Christ labelled as hypocrisy. Notice how it is expressed in the Bible: “Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments….Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth… For all Your commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:137, 142, 172). From a spiritual point of view, we need to be eating from God’s Word continually.
The merciful
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7) refers to unmerited pardon or forgiveness. Jesus instructs us: “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise… Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:31 and 36). We show mercy by not being overly critical or holding grudges, helping those in need and striving to be an example of God’s way of life. Showing mercy reflects God’s long-suffering and merciful attitude towards us: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy…. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:8 and 11).
The pure in heart
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8). Pure has the same connotation as the word clean. After King David sinned with Bathsheba and had Uriah murdered he begged God to: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Developing purity of heart involves internalizing God’s way of life and expressing that in our thoughts and actions. The Apostle John reminds us, “Everyone who has this hope in Him [the hope of eternal life] purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).
The peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). We should strive to develop an attitude of cooperation and avoid being easily offended or slandering and ridiculing others, which are actions which do not promote peace. We are told, “If it is possible….live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). While Jesus admonishes us: “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).
The persecuted
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:10). Persecution can manifest itself by being picked on, oppressed, poorly treated, lied about and even outright harassment. In these situations, we should follow the example of Jesus Christ who did not retaliate and relied on God to be the judge: “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously”(1 Peter 2:23).
Jesus concluded the section on the beatitudes by saying, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12), and in Matthew 25:34 invites us: “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Nothing can compare to that reward, and the blessings that will occur when Christ returns. The blessed of God are in the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6), invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9) and have a right to the tree of life (Revelation 22:14).
