Intro to the Beatitudes

Read: Matthew 5:3-10

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

The greatest leader and teacher to ever walk the Earth preached a sermon so powerful that believers have looked to it today for instruction on how to better their lives and ultimately glorify Christ. The opening verses of this sermon are extra important indeed, and they even have a really catchy nickname: the Beatitudes. According to an online dictionary, the word “beatitude” means “supreme blessedness.” Jesus uses the Beatitudes to show believers how to be supremely blessed in their day to day ventures. Each beatitude starts with the word “Blessed are ____.” The word in Greek means “happy.” Is this not wonderful news!? Jesus’ very first lesson in this sermon reveals that the God of the universe cares about our happiness! John Piper describes this perfectly. “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Jesus uses the Beatitudes as an opportunity to give us the characteristics of a person who glorifies God, and is completely content in doing so.