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71. The Beatitudes


Matthew 5:1-12, Luke 6:22-26, Psalm 37:10
Key Verse:  A little while and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. 
Psalm 37:11

In these first nine statements, Jesus turns the world's way of seeing life on its head.  From the world’s perspective, you are successful when you aggressively climb the social latter.  You are blessed when you are in control.  You are blessed when you have enough to eat and enough money to control your own destiny. 

Jesus is saying that you are blessed when you are meek and not forceful.  Jesus is saying that you are blessed when you are poor in spirit, not proud.  Jesus is saying that you are blessed when you help to make peace, rather than demand your own way.  Jesus is saying that you are blessed when you are persecuted?  Really? 

Most of Jesus' listeners would have been surprised at Jesus' words.  They were used to watching the lives of the rich and powerful, religious and political leaders flaunting their power.  They were probably used to seeing themselves as nothing because they were powerless and humble.  In truth, most of Jesus’ listeners wished that they could have a bit more power and control, just as we do today.  Jesus was saying, however, that they were already blessed, just as they were, if they were as He was now describing.  A good speaker knows how to capture an audience’s attention with something astonishing.   But this wasn’t just a technique being used by a good speaker.  Jesus spoke the Truth and it is the Truth that is astonishing because it is a whole new way of thinking, so different from where our sinful hearts tend to lead us. 

They were used to the lectures of the religious; "You're not good enough!”  And they had probably heard many zealots proclaim: "Down with the Romans!  They are our problem!”  To hear Jesus say, "Blessed are you,” just where you are, was a new thought. 

Jesus was beginning to assure them of God's faithfulness to them, even though their position was humble for now.  The proud will not be proud forever.  The powerful cannot endure. Psalm 37:10 says, "A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found." They will fade away and be no more. But you are blessed because God is pleased with you. 

When Jesus' mother Mary sang her song of praise to God, after learning of her pregnancy, she sang: "His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.  He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.  He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble.”  (Luke 1:50-52) Now Jesus continues this theme to put a new song in other hearts as well. 

Hymn: “The Beatitudes” 

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