The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:1-12

 

1 Now when He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

2 and he began to teach them, saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

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

11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12 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 5:1-12).

 

• Basically, in these versus, Jesus is instructing his disciples.  He is teaching them the Christian way to live and what rewards they will receive if they live that way.  Jesus tells his disciples no matter how bad life is for them in the present, they ought to rejoice because they God will bless them in the future.

 

• In the same way, God will bless you (assuming you choose certain things and NOT choose others). 

 

• Jesus says, "Great is your reward in heaven.”