Matthew 5:1-20 “the beatitudes: an introduction [Listen]

This is an interesting passage that shows us how Jesus gave, what might have been, his first public address to the masses. On the one hand he wanted to encourage the average person to be part of something bigger than themselves. On the other hand he wanted to make sure they understood how his followers were going to function.

If we are to understand this section of Scripture correctly, it’s important that we understand its context. Prior to this section of Scripture Matthew shows Jesus being tempted, calling his first disciples, and then traveling through much of the area preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing a great number of people.

As a result of Jesus’ ministry, large crowds from the entire region were following him. With this following in tow, Jesus climbs a hill where he can better address the people. And here he delivers this message:

1Now when [Jesus] saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:

3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the (present tense) kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

In these first three beatitudes, he is telling his followers that God is disposed toward those who have no kingdom here (those who don’t benefit from the cultural power-brokers).

6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

In the next four pronouncements Jesus is narrowing the focus. God is not simply disposed to those who have no kingdom here; God dispose toward those who have no kingdom here and are aligned with his values (those who seek justice, are merciful, are pure in heart, are peacemakers).

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the (present tense) kingdom of heaven.

Now again Jesus narrows the focus. People of the kingdom also stand for God’s values in the face of persecution.

11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

And finally the last great reality. God is disposed toward those who stand for Jesus in the face of persecution. In fact, Jesus links those who suffer for Jesus to the prophets in the O.T. who were persecuted for being faithful to God.

13“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

14“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Be what you are!! You are salt – be salt! You are light – be light! Be what Jesus has saved you to be – people of the Kingdom!

Now, if you have thousands of people that have witnessed the power of God (Jesus’ healings) and now hear Jesus say, “You are the future – you are those called of God.” what might the response be? Some may think Jesus is here to usurp the current religious power structure and mount a rebellion. Well Jesus did come to do that but not in the way most thought. So Jesus “steps” in to clarify:

17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

The Kingdom Jesus is founding will take holiness to a new level (being angry with your brother is as bad as murder – Matt 5:21-22. Looking at a woman with lust is adultery – Matt 5:27-28).

Living the Kingdom of God is directly connected to living lives that battle sin and strive to live as Jesus did – The Kingdom belongs to those who embrace and FOLLOW Jesus.