A Brief Introduction to Jesus’ Beatitudes
Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) begins with eight beatitudes (Matt 5:3–12). Although there are nine pronouncements of blessing, the final blessing (5:11–12) is an elaboration on the eighth (5:10) and is, thus, part of the eighth.
The term “beatitude” comes from the Latin beatus, which means “happy” or “blessed,” and is used as a title for the contents of Matthew 5:3–12 because each beatitude begins with the word “blessed.” To be “blessed” in Matthew 5:3–12 means to be the privileged recipient of God’s favour that results in a deep-seated joy (see my articles on each beatitude for a thorough explanation). Jesus was not referring to an emotion or feeling based on present circumstances (i.e., eating ice-cream makes me happy). He was also not referring to a life without difficulties.
Jesus’ beatitudes are similar to Moses’ final blessing of Israel in Deuteronomy 33:29 to which Jesus is likely alluding:
“Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs.”
—DEUTERONOMY 33:29
Notice that the blessing by Moses is to God’s people who are already saved. Moses was pronouncing Israel’s salvation and the blessings that flow from it. Jesus also begins his instructions in the Sermon on the Mount with a similar pronouncement of blessing flowing from salvation. This suggests two things. First, Jesus’ disciples are Israel. Second, the pronouncement of blessings (the beatitudes) is for those who are already saved, who are already God’s children. They describe the life that results from being saved.
A Brief Summary of Each Beatitude
The following are my personal short summaries of each beatitude. For my more in-depth treatment of each beatitude, click the heading that corresponds to each beatitude.
1. The Poor in Spirit (Matt 5:3)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3)
In Matthew 5:3, Jesus says that those who recognize they are sinners, unable to do any good in the sight of God and who are worthy only of punishment, yet rely on God and trust in him for their salvation (the poor in spirit) are privileged recipients of God’s favour (blessed) in that they enter and inherit the kingdom of heaven, which is a real material kingdom that encompasses the entire created order, consists of God’s people, under the rule of Jesus (theirs is the kingdom of heaven).
2. Those Who Mourn (Matt 5:4)
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4)
In Matthew 5:4, Jesus says that those who grieve deeply over their sin and the destruction it has wrought (those who mourn) are privileged recipients of God’s favour (blessed) in that they will be forgiven of their sin and restored to a right relationship with God with all the privileges that relationship with God affords (will be comforted).
3. The Meek (Matt 5:5)
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)
In Matthew 5:5, Jesus says that those who live in complete submission to God (the meek) are privileged recipients of God’s favour (blessed) in that they will own and rule the entire planet alongside of Jesus (inherit the earth).
4. The Hungry and Thirsty (Matt 5:6)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6)
In Matthew 5:6, Jesus says that those who continuously deeply crave to live an upright and godly life (to hunger and thirst for righteousness) are privileged recipients of God’s favour (blessed) in that God will enable them to live a righteous life as God’s defines and understands righteousness (they will be satisfied).
5. The Merciful (Matt 5:7)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7)
In Matthew 5:7, Jesus says that those who generously provide for the needy and graciously forgive others of their sins (those who are the merciful) are privileged recipients of God’s favour (blessed) in that God will generously provide for their needs and graciously forgive their sins (will receive mercy).
6. The Pure in Heart (Matt 5:8)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8)
In Matthew 5:8, Jesus says that those who worship and serve the one true God and interact with their neighbours honestly, truthfully, and with integrity (the pure in heart) are privileged recipients of God’s favour (blessed) in that they will literally see God face-to-face in all his glory and majesty upon Jesus’ return (they will see God).
7. The Peacemakers (Matt 5:9)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9)
In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says that those who bring reconciliation between a person and God that results in שָׁלוֹם (shalôm)—prosperity, welfare, health, safety, completeness, and wholeness, including right relationships with others—(the peacemakers) are privileged recipients of God’s favour (blessed) in that God recognizes they are living up to their status as sons of God (will be called sons of God) because they are doing the things that God’s sons should be doing; they are making peace.
8. The Persecuted (Matt 5:10–12)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)
In Matthew 5:10–12, Jesus says that those who are persecuted by insults, harm, and malicious lies because they are disciples of Jesus who live according to Jesus’ instructions are privileged recipients of God’s favour (blessed) in that they enter and inherit the kingdom of heaven, which is a real material kingdom that encompasses the entire created order, consists of God’s people, under the rule of Jesus (theirs is the kingdom of heaven) and will receive a yet-unknown reward in heaven. As such, Jesus’ persecuted disciples must be consistently and continually super-joyful!