Starting in verse 20 and lasting through the end of the chapter is what some call the Sermon on the Plain. Likely the same sermon as the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, it is Jesus’ manifesto explaining how a citizen of the kingdom of God is to live. In a word, the godly […]
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God This Beatitude may perhaps seem less weighty than the others. It doesn’t seem to compare to being poor in spirit, or being meek and merciful. But peace between men in this world isn’t common or easy, and the believer who’s characterized by peace […]
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy Mercy is showing love to the helpless and hopeless (as opposed to grace which is showing love to the undeserving). The best definition of the two that I have ever encountered is this: ‘Grace is especially associated with men in their sins; mercy is especially associated […]
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth To be meek is to truly understand what I am and how that affects my interactions with others. I see others through the lens of my own sin. If I am poor in spirit to the extent that it causes me to mourn over sin, […]
The Beatitudes The word ‘beatitude’ roughly means ‘blessing.’ Jesus starts His sermon with a list of attributes that characterize those who are blessed – who receive God’s approval. Said another way, He lists the attributes of those for whom this sermon is intended. The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus’ manifesto explaining how to live […]
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