
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. —Matthew 5:1-12
Intro: The world has its own definition of success—power, wealth, comfort, and status. Yet, in the opening words of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus flips this notion upside down. The “Beatitudes” essentially describe the characteristics that lead to a state of blessedness as defined by Jesus. The Beatitudes reveal that true blessing is not found in self-sufficiency or earthly gain but in humility, righteousness, and even suffering for His sake. Jesus redefines what it means to live a truly blessed life, one marked by dependence on God, a hunger for holiness, and faithfulness under trial. The question before us today is this: Are we pursuing the kind of life Jesus calls “blessed,” or are we chasing the fleeting rewards of this world?
Big Idea: Jesus redefines what it means to live a truly blessed life — one marked by
1. Blessings come from LOWLINESS (v.3-5)
- a. Poor in Spirit (v.3)
- The phrase “poor in spirit” (πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι, ptōchoi tō pneumati) does not refer to financial poverty but to spiritual bankruptcy—recognizing our utter dependence on God.
The kingdom of heaven does not belong to those who
- b. Those who mourn (v.4)
- This is not just mourning over personal loss but over sin and the brokenness of the world.
- The Greek word for “mourn” (πενθοῦντες, penthountes) is the strongest word for deep, sorrowful lament.
The road to true joy passes through the valley of
- c. The humble (v.5)
Meekness is not the absence of power but the presence of surrender to
2. Blessings come from HOLINESS (v.6-9)
- a. Yearning for righteousness (v.6)
True satisfaction is found not in pleasure or possessions but in pursuing
b. Mercy (v.7)
- Mercy (ἔλεος, eleos) is more than feeling sorry for someone; it’s active compassion.
In a culture obsessed with retribution, Jesus calls His followers to forgiveness.
Mercy is not weakness - it’s the mark of those who have
Show compassion to those who don’t deserve it - just as God did for you.
- c. Purity of heart (v.8)
- Pure hearts experiencing seeing God through progressive sanctification and future glory.
- d. Peacemaking (v.9)
i. Biblical peace (εἰρήνη, eirēnē) is not just absence of conflict but restoring broken relationships.
- Peacemakers reflect God’s nature as the ultimate reconciler.
The greatest peacemakers are those who have first
3. Blessings come from PERSECUTION (v.10-12)
- a. Because of righteousness (v.10)
- The word persecuted (διωκόμενοι, diōkomenoi) implies ongoing, relentless opposition.
- History shows that the faithful often suffer—but their reward is eternal.
- If you live for God, you will clash with the world. Expect it.
- b. Because of Me (v.11)
- Jesus personalizes persecution—it’s not just for righteousness but for Him.
- The call to rejoice in suffering (χαίρετε, chairete) is radical—because the reward is great.
- Persecution is temporary, but the joy of Christ’s presence is eternal.
- Jesus understands the temptation and weakness of man. (Matt 4; Heb 4:15-16)
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:15-16
Jesus does not ask His followers to follow any road
Jesus
Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
How has recognizing your spiritual poverty deepened your dependence on God? In what ways does this develop spiritual joy and blessing for us?
How have you experienced blessings from God developing holiness in you? What should you change in your life to prioritize the development of the beatitudes?
How does knowing that Jesus walked the path of suffering and obedience before us encourage you in your own struggles?