The Beatitudes The Beatitudes A central document of the A central document of the Christian faith Christian faith Mt 5:1-12 “And seeing the multitudes Jesus went up into a mountain; and when he sat down, his disciples came to him; and he opened his mouth and taught them…” Mt 5:1-12 “And seeing the multitudes Jesus went up into a mountain; and when he sat down, his disciples came to him; and he opened his mouth and taught them…”
The Beatitudes The Beatitudes The purpose of the Sermon on the Mount can be summarized in one sentence: How to live a life that is dedicated to and pleasing to God, fully blessed because it is free from hypocrisy, full of love, grace, wisdom and discernment. The purpose of the Sermon on the Mount can be summarized in one sentence: How to live a life that is dedicated to and pleasing to God, fully blessed because it is free from hypocrisy, full of love, grace, wisdom and discernment. The Beatitudes are the first portion of the Sermon on the Mt. The Beatitudes are the first portion of the Sermon on the Mt.
5 Central Themes in Matthew 5 Central Themes in Matthew 1. Inaugurating the Kingdom of God (ch 1-7) 1. Inaugurating the Kingdom of God (ch 1-7) 2. Spreading the Kingdom of God (ch 8-10) 2. Spreading the Kingdom of God (ch 8-10) 3. Nature of the Kingdom of God (ch 11-3) 3. Nature of the Kingdom of God (ch 11-3) 4. Community of Kingdom of God (ch 13-18) 4. Community of Kingdom of God (ch 13-18) 5. Fulfilling of Kingdom of God (ch 19-23) 5. Fulfilling of Kingdom of God (ch 19-23)
Jesus teaches: “…and when He sat down…” Often, Jewish rabbis would talk to their students while walking or just standing in a city square or colonnade; “…and when He sat down…” Often, Jewish rabbis would talk to their students while walking or just standing in a city square or colonnade; BUT when he wanted his teaching to be official, he sat down, whether in the synagogue or elsewhere. BUT when he wanted his teaching to be official, he sat down, whether in the synagogue or elsewhere. “…He opened His mouth…” to introduce a weighty utterance, to utter something of calculated courage; to give without reservation, withholding nothing. “…He opened His mouth…” to introduce a weighty utterance, to utter something of calculated courage; to give without reservation, withholding nothing.
A teaching of incalculable importance “…Jesus taught his disciples…” “…Jesus taught his disciples…” Two tenses: aorist & imperfect Two tenses: aorist & imperfect aorist: one completed action in past time aorist: one completed action in past time Imperfect: repeated, habitual action in past time. Imperfect: repeated, habitual action in past time. The sermon was the substance of all that he habitually & repeatedly taught his disciples. The sermon was the substance of all that he habitually & repeatedly taught his disciples. The sermon was the summary of all Jesus had been teaching His disciples. The sermon was the summary of all Jesus had been teaching His disciples.
Blessed… OT Hb ashere: Oh, the bliss of… OT Hb ashere: Oh, the bliss of… NT Gr makarios/makar: A bliss that belongs only to the gods…and enviable position of favor! NT Gr makarios/makar: A bliss that belongs only to the gods…and enviable position of favor! The beatitudes are not promises of future happiness; they are congratulations on present bliss. The beatitudes are not promises of future happiness; they are congratulations on present bliss. Through Christ, we share in the very life of God…the bliss that belongs only to Him, independent of circumstances and completely opposite of world’s standards Through Christ, we share in the very life of God…the bliss that belongs only to Him, independent of circumstances and completely opposite of world’s standards
The Christian “bliss” It is independent of outward circumstances It is independent of outward circumstances It is independent of the “chances” and changes of life. It is independent of the “chances” and changes of life. It is the bliss of the life of God and it is the joy that no man can take from us. It is the bliss of the life of God and it is the joy that no man can take from us. It completely reverses the world’s standards: It completely reverses the world’s standards: – Oh, the enviable position of the favor of God for the poor in spirit, for the sorrowful, for the gentle, the hungry and thirsty, for the merciful, pure in heart, for the peacemakers and the persecuted.
Three Central blessings 1. The blessing which comes when we recognize our deepest need, and then discover where that need can be supplied (in Christ alone). 1. The blessing which comes when we recognize our deepest need, and then discover where that need can be supplied (in Christ alone). 2. The blessing which comes with living the Christian life by developing the qualities of Jesus Himself. 2. The blessing which comes with living the Christian life by developing the qualities of Jesus Himself. 3. The blessing of suffering for Jesus Christ because of our loyalty and surrender to Him. 3. The blessing of suffering for Jesus Christ because of our loyalty and surrender to Him. The way of the beatitudes is the way of blessing. The way of the beatitudes is the way of blessing.
The Response Are you in need of “the” blessing? Are you in need of “the” blessing? The truest blessing Jesus offers is a life that is lived under His Lordship; a life fully committed to Him and to the work of His Kingdom. The truest blessing Jesus offers is a life that is lived under His Lordship; a life fully committed to Him and to the work of His Kingdom. You’ve made him Savior….have you made Him Lord? You’ve made him Savior….have you made Him Lord?