The Beatitudes | Matthew 5:3-10

January 12th, 2025

Sunday, January 12

Get Ready For The Week:

This week, we’ll be exploring the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. Before diving in, take a moment to review the definitions below. The Bible often uses terms that aren't as familiar to us today, so we’ve highlighted the blessings from the NIV translation and provided definitions to help clarify their meaning.

Defining The Beatitudes:

  • Poor in Spirit - If you’re humble and recognize that you need God, you’re in a good place. God’s kingdom is for people who know they can't do it all on their own.

  • Mourn - When you’re grieving or hurting, God is there to bring comfort and peace. It’s okay to feel sad—God sees your pain and will bring healing.

  • Meek - Those who are gentle, humble, and don’t seek to overpower others will ultimately experience the fullness of life. Meekness doesn’t mean weakness; it’s strength under control.

  • Hunger and thirst for righteousness - having a strong desire for personal rightness and justice in your relationship with God. But also having a desire to see God’s justice and righteousness in the world around you.

  • Merciful - When you show kindness and forgiveness to others, God will show you the same mercy. How you treat others matters to God.

  • Pure in heart - If you strive to keep your heart clean, and focused on good things, you’ll experience a close relationship with God. Pure hearts are open to seeing God at work.

  • Peacemaker - Reconciliation. If you work to bring peace—whether in your relationships, community, or world—you’re reflecting God’s heart and showing that you belong to Him.

  • Persecuted because of righteousness - If you face hardship or rejection for doing what’s right, don’t lose heart. God sees it, and He promises that His kingdom is for people like you.

**References
Garland, D. E. (2005). The Expositor's Bible Commentary (D. E. Garland, Ed.). Zondervan.
Zondervan. (2017). NIV Life Application Study Bible: Personal Size [Grey/Blue]. Zondervan.

Additional Resource:

God So Loved - Compassion sermon series from 2022