Shortly after Jesus began to call His disciples as He was healing and teaching in the area of the sea of Galilee, He took His disciples aside to a mountainside and taught them what has been called the Beatitudes.
In this teaching our Lord Jesus begins to reveal His own heart and character as the source of true blessing (happiness) for His disciples. By listening (having ears to hear) what Jesus said, we can understand the stark difference between what God desires our character and spirit to be, and who we (His disciples) are in our own fallen (sinful) nature.
Matthew 5:1- 12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
” Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
There is a battle going on for the souls of mankind. The contrast between evil and good, is symbolized by the very nature of sinful man in contrast to the godly character that Jesus seeks to impart to His disciples (followers). Pride, arrogance, and self-promotion, unrighteousness, injustice, selfish motivation, unforgiveness, bitterness, anger and hatred, are what Jesus is calling us to repent of as we turn to Him and allow Him to transform us into godly people… (to be continued next Mathew 5:13 – 16) Blessings Vince