“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” Matthew 5:10-12, LSB       We now turn our attention toward this final, yet startling beatitude found in the […]

    “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9, LSB       As we discussed in the last article, peace with God acts as the very root of Christ’s command to be peacemakers. Therefore, while we strive for harmony with others, we are never to go against […]

    “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9, LSB       The biblical concept of peace is an important and deeply rich topic. It has far more meaning than merely denoting a lack of hostility. Peace, as described in the Holy Scripture, is reflected in both […]

    “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8, LSB       Purity of heart is another mark of a true disciple of Jesus Christ, another course of action motivated by the truths we’ve studied in the previous beatitudes. The believer’s sober awareness of his sin and his […]

    “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”  Matthew 5:7, LSB       The ESV Expository Commentary provides a rather helpful structure for looking at the Beatitudes (and beyond) as a connected whole. “The first three beatitudes describe an awareness of need” which then leads to a deep hunger and thirst […]

    “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”  Matthew 5:6, LSB       The question has been asked by many: “How can I know that I am saved?” It’s an important question! We’re called by Scripture to “work out [our] salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil […]

    “Blessed are the lowly, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5, LSB       Humility (or lowliness) is often viewed among the most prominent characteristics of Christ’s disciples. It is a key ingredient to true Christian living. The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines humility as “the personal quality of being free […]

    “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4, LSB       Mourning is an inescapable part of the human experience. Because of the extensive corruption brought about by sin, mankind exists in a world that is dying and full of grief (Rom 8:22). Man, as we previously discussed, […]

    “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3, LSB       Jesus’ very first words of His sermon begin with a blessed statement that acts as the very bedrock of true discipleship. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” is the beginning of a chain-link description […]

    “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.” Matthew 5:1, LSB       One of the amazing things we should focus on immediately in the Sermon on the Mount is who Jesus is speaking to. This powerful sermon […]