The Gift

 “Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends for it is one of God’s best gifts.” (Thomas Hughes)

The message of The Beatitudes takes on a whole new level of meaning when you realize that they’re a mini biography of Jesus’ life. He is the ultimate peacemaker, He has the purest heart, He is merciful, and most importantly, He was persecuted for us.

The word “beatitude” refers to a state of great joy. Being or feeling blessed is often associated with this word. Did you know the word “beatitude” comes from the Latin “beatitudo” meaning blessedness? It is essential to understand that the eight Beatitudes (found in Matthew 5:3-10) are part of a larger sermon given by Jesus called the Sermon on the Mount.

These beatitudes encourage and challenge all of us to step outside our comfort zone where our faith is concerned. As you pray to God to become more like His Son, Jesus, keep in mind that you need His grace to accomplish great things for Him. The road to happiness may not be easy, but Jesus gives us the blueprint, and all you have to do is follow it. So, let's consider the true, simple meaning of the Beatitudes:

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)

 Simple Paraphrase: Happy is the person who realizes that they need a Savior because they cannot save themselves for the kingdom of Heaven is their home.

  “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3)

Simple Paraphrase: If you are sad because of bad things that have happen in life, you can still be content because Jesus will comfort you.  

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

Simple Paraphrase: Happy is the person who can control their emotions for they will be rewarded.

 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

Simple Paraphrase: Happy are the people who want to do right and recognize God more than anything else for God will give them what they want most.

 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

Simple Paraphrase: Happy are the people who are kind and forgiving to other people for they will be shown kindness and forgiveness too.

 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

Simple Paraphrase: Happy are the people who not only change their actions and what they do and how they act on the outside, but also change their heart on the inside and how they feel for they will see God.

  “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Simple Paraphrase: Happy are the people who work to make peace for others for they will be called children of God.

 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

Simple Paraphrase: People who are hurt, suffer or are treated badly because they have done right can be happy knowing that they will have the kingdom of Heaven to look forward to.

  “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 5:11-12)

Simple Paraphrase: You can be happy when people ridicule you, hurt you or say things that are mean and wrong against you because of Jesus. Be excited and happy because just like the other heroes of the Bible, your reward is going to be great when you get to Heaven.

 “They're called in the scripture the Beatitudes. You know why they're called the Beatitudes without being prestigious? [It’s] because they should be the attitudes of every believer. That's the normal Christian life not the abnormal Christian life. The normal Christian life is holiness.” (Leonard Ravenhill)[i]

---

[i] Adapted from:

·       “Beatitude “by Britannica

·       “Beatitude” by Vocabulary.com

·       “The Meaning of The Beatitudes — The Key to Happiness” by Daily Bread

·       “What are the Beatitudes for Kids in Simple Terms?” by Children’s Ministry Deals

·       “What Are the Beatitudes?” by Mary Fairchild

The Sermon on the Plaines (below) is found in Luke 6:20-22 (NCV), and has similarities to the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount:

²⁰ Jesus looked at his followers and said,

“You people who are poor are blessed,
    because the kingdom of God belongs to you.
²¹ You people who are now hungry are blessed,
    because you will be satisfied.
You people who are now crying are blessed,
    because you will laugh with joy.

²² “People will hate you, shut you out, insult you, and say you are evil because you follow the Son of Man. But when they do, you will be blessed.

 

Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount