Understanding Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is a lot like peeling an onion. We may initially think we have a firm grasp of the surface layers, such as the familiar blessings found in the Beatitudes. However, the more we dig, the more layers we uncover that reveal profound truths and lessons, challenging us to think deeply and critically. Much like peeling an onion can make you cry, exploring these teachings may evoke strong emotions, prompting insights that challenge our perspectives and foster personal growth.
Let’s take a closer look at the first three Beatitudes. The word “blessed” comes from the Greek word “makarios,” which means “blessed” or “happy,” but it’s more than just being happy. “It’s a deep, abiding joy and contentment that comes from a right relationship with God. (Strong’s Lexicon, n.d.)
It’s easy to imagine Jesus addressing the large crowd in the Sermon on the Mount. However, a closer look at Matthew 5:1 presents a different scene: Jesus chose to sit down when He saw the multitude, a posture that indicated authority and instruction. At that very moment, His disciples approached Him, eager to learn His profound lessons about how they, and all of us today, are called to live as devoted followers of His teachings. This special setting highlights the intimate nature of His message, which is intended specifically for those seeking to understand and embody His values.
Let’s dive into the first Beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5”3). This statement invites us to explore its deeper meaning. When Jesus referred to being “poor in spirit,” He wasn’t just referring to people who didn’t have a lot of money. Rather, He was talking about a more profound state of being—spiritual humility. This concept embodies the idea of acknowledging our own limitations and recognizing our need for divine grace. It stresses the importance of embracing our spiritual emptiness so we can receive the richness of His kingdom.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matt. 5:4), is the second Beatitude. We are prompted to reflect on the significance of this statement. At first, I wondered if Jesus was addressing those who were grieving the loss of loved ones or the loss of something precious to them. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that His message extends far beyond that simple interpretation. He addresses a more profound sorrow that is rooted in the core of our very being—a sincere lament over our sins and spiritual state. This mourning recognizes our need for redemption and the longing for a Savior to bring about healing and restoration. This Beatitude encourages us to accept our frailties and recognize the transformative power of sorrow, which can lead us toward divine comfort.
The third Beatitude says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). Some translations use the word humble instead of meek. It’s important to understand that meekness or humility does not mean weakness but rather, it reflects the inner strength that results from submitting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This idea reminds us of the disciples, who, despite their humble origins, experienced a remarkable transformation after receiving the Holy Spirit. They may have seemed ordinary and unremarkable before this divine empowerment, but their encounter with the Holy Spirit filled them with extraordinary courage and resolve. This inner strength enabled them to boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, demonstrating that true humility is rooted in strength and divine support.
As we learned in today’s study of the Beatitudes, we discovered the profound expectations Jesus has for those who follow Him. Each Beatitude serves as a guiding principle, showing us how we are called to live a life that not only honors His teachings but also brings glory to God. During His life on earth, Jesus showed us how to live, handling both the challenges and joys with grace and purpose. As my pastor often reminds his congregation, “A disciple is a Christ follower who learns to do what the Master does.” (Cotignola, 2024). This definition resonates deeply as we recognize that we are also His disciples and have been given the responsibility to reflect His character in our daily lives.
Reflection:
- As we reflect on these important teachings, let’s ask a key question: Are our lives truly “blessed”? Do our goals and actions reflect what God wants for us?
- Thinking about how to live out these blessings each day presents both a challenge and an opportunity for personal growth. What practical steps can we take today to bring these blessings into our lives? We can enrich our own journey and uplift those around us by doing this.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the countless blessings and guidance You bestow upon me each day. Thank You for Your unwavering presence in my life. I humbly ask that You remind me daily of the path You desire for me to walk, one that is aligned with Your purpose. Help me to cultivate a pure and sincere heart, with You at its very center, so that I may radiate Your glory through my words and actions. May everything I say and do reflect Your love and grace. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Reference
Cotignola, D. (2024). Abiding In Christ. [Sermon]. Next City Church, Bellerose, New York.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Strong’s Lexicon (n.d.). Blessed. In Bible Hub. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from https://biblehub.com/greek/3107.htm
