The Beatitudes

The in-depth summary of each bible study is much different from the small group bible study laid out before the leader and the students.  The small group studies are intended to be interactive, provide a learning atmosphere for students, and open discussions allowing for interpretations of what the gospels’ witnessed.  The in-depth summary is designed to help the leader with expansive information, much more than what is in the text notes found at the bottom of every bible page.  An exhaustive search was completed on each verse to help the Leader answer questions that may come up during the study.

Both Matthew 5:3-12 and Luke 6:20-23 describe the beatitudes.  There are many similarities and differences in the account recorded by Matthew and Luke.  Matthew opens his account ‘On the Mount’, while Luke opens his account ‘On the Plain.’  Bible scholars are indecisive on their views.  Some state these are different recordings of the same sermon.  Other scholars state there were two different sermons with similar content.  In either case, having two separate records by two different people (Matthew and Luke) with extremely similar content, adds strong evidence and validity the event and teachings did take place.

Reading Matthew, Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount with the beatitudes.  There are eight blessings Jesus describes to his disciples through Matthew.  Each beatitude states a characteristic Jesus is describing and then Jesus tells them what their blessing will be.  Matthew is recording the sermon primarily for a Jewish audience.

Reading Luke, Jesus opens the Sermon on the Plain. Jesus lists only four characteristics and then tells them what their blessings will be.  Luke also includes four woes Jesus pronounces.  The list of woes is the opposite condition of the blessings provided by Luke.  Luke is recording the sermon primarily for a Gentile audience.

Few bible studies review both Matthew and Luke’s version of the beatitudes side-by-side.  Even fewer bible studies include the blessings with the woes.  Jesus makes a point to call out the woes.  We will discuss Matthew’s version, Luke’s version, and the specific woes mirroring them with the appropriate blessings. 

In many translations, “Blessed” properly means “happy.” The mistake people make attempting to interpret the “Beatitudes” is they have the misconception Jesus is only speaking to a specific group of people for each blessing.  While doing this many people look for the blessing that best pertains to their own personal life so they can find out what blessing will be blessed on them.  Although Jesus was speaking with a crowd around him, He was speaking and teaching directly to the disciples.  The better way to interpretation of the “Beatitudes” is Jesus is listing characteristics that are shared by true believers.  All true believers demonstrate all of these characteristics to some degree or another.  All of these beatitudes combined will be part of God’s kingdom.

Introduction to the Sermon: (Read the outlined in black Matthew 5:1-2 and Luke 6:17-20): 

In Matthews’s version, what is this sermon commonly called? And why? “The Sermon on the Mount.”  In verse 5:1, Matthew states Jesus went up on a mountain.  It was probably a steep hill.  Galilee contains many such hills.

In Luke’s version, what is the sermon commonly called? And why?  The Sermon on the plain.  Luke states Jesus went down with them and stood on a level place. 

Are these the same sermon interpreted by two different Gospels? Or are these two different sermons on different occasions?  There was a great deal of time, effort and energy trying to decipher if this was one sermon, two sermons or several sermons preached on different occasions.   Our opinion is these were two separate sermons, as Matthew describes his writings when Jesus went up on a mountain.  While Luke describes Jesus went down with them and stood on a plain.

Matthew includes eight blessings, while not including any of the “woes.”  While Luke includes only four blessings but includes the “woes.”  It is highly likely that Jesus taught many of the same teachings on multiple occasions.  We will not be focusing on the deciphering, but more on the substance of what Jesus was trying to convey.

Who was the primary audience Jesus was teaching? The disciples.  Notice Matthew states the disciples came to Jesus and then Jesus opened His mouth and taught them.  In Luke, Jesus lifted up his eyes toward His disciples and said:… The crowd around the disciples were merely the listening audience while His disciples were

(1) The poor and poor in spirit.  (Read the verses outlined in red: Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20b, and Luke 6:24) Most of the scholars lean toward only Matthew’s version who states, “the poor in spirit.” While Luke only mentions “you poor.”  Clearly both have different meanings.  Luke includes “woe to you who are rich” in Luke 6:24, when Jesus pronounces the “woes.”  This would be consistent with Luke’s interpretation of Jesus’ blessing to the poor monetarily, and a warning to those who are rich.  We will observe both paths. 

a.     Matthew 5:3:  Blessed are the poor in spirit.  Who are the “poor in spirit?” 

To help you, let’s first describe the word “poor” in Greek.  The Greek word “poor” is ptochos, which means to cower or to couch, having nothing, reduced to begging, like a beggar, totally broke.  Very representative of the poor, in this case, the poor who beg.  However, Matthew clearly states those who are “poor in spirit.”  Those who are poor in spirit know this because they know they cannot save themselves by their own righteousness.  They do this because they recognize they do not have the necessary resources to get into heaven, so they humble themselves and have a humble posture.  They require an outside source.  Something that is strong in spirit to help them, Jesus/God.

i)       How are they poor spiritually?  In essence the one who is spiritually poor, is spiritually bankrupt.  They constantly need God’s forgiveness for the sins they have committed over their lifetime.  To have a humble opinion of ourselves.  It is not the feeling to complete helplessness, but to be willing to be saved by the mercy of God; to go where he tells us we need to go; to do His bidding; and to die when he commands.  This is intended for those who are truly humbled before God, for those who are aware of their spiritual poverty.  Not to be referenced as monetarily poor in their finances.

ii)     If the word blessed is supposed to mean happy, how are the poor happy in spirit?  They are happy in spirit because their humility renders them teachable. They are submissive, patient and content.  These people are happy because their humility renders them content in all things.  They are happy because “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  To be at peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  The poor in spirit are enriched with the fullness of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of heaven.

b.     Luke 6:20b:  Blessed are you poor.  Why does Jesus Bless the poor?  The poor do not covet high valued things in the world but are content with what God provides for them.  Some scholars believe Luke is condensing the sermon on the mount while others refer this as “the sermon on the plain” was a similar sermon, just at a different time and location.  Others believe Jesus is speaking about the poor, or the needy in the world who tend to be more godly than the rich who prosper and tend to be ungodly. 

c.      Is the blessing for everyone who is poor? The blessing is not for everyone who is poor.  If Luke 6:20b was read alone, it would mean “Blessed everyone who is poor,” including the ones who love God and those who despise God.  Read together with Matthew 5:3, to be poor, or to be spiritually poor, or physically and/or spiritually bankrupt is humble oneself at the feet of God, and to ask for his forgiveness.  Those who are poor and despise God do not looking to Him for forgiveness.

d.     Luke 6:24: Woe to the rich.  What is the warning to the rich? This is a warning to the rich, they have all the comforts they are going to experience.  There is no absolute condemnation about being rich. Some of the wealthiest men in the world were blessed by God.  Abraham, Job, Soloman, Joseph of Arimathea.  Wealth carries with it a peculiar danger.  When someone becomes wealthy, it is easy to focus on the power of one’s wealth and on their own independence, thinking they can live without God. Jesus is not saying, if you are wealthy you are doomed.  What Jesus is saying is how hard it is for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of God.  Read Matthew 19:24. That being said, when the rich find comfort in the world’s goods and products, and do not seek or receive consolation from the gospel, they will continually try to fill the longing of happiness. 

e.     What is the difference between being “poor in spirit, vs. just being poor?” Does this need to be answered, or has it already been answered?

f.       What is the reward for the of the poor in spirit and/or the poor?  Theirs is the kingdom of heaven or God.  Seeking and obtaining the kingdom of God and needs to be our “first” not chronologically, but first in importance goal to be with the Lord.  Read Matthew 6:33. The kingdom of heaven/God is the most important of all blessings.  One could achieve all of the other blessings, but without the kingdom of heaven, they will never spend eternity with God.

g.     Those who morn or weep.  (Read the verses outlined in green: Matthew 5:4; Luke 6:21b and Luke 6:25b)

            Who are the people that morn or weep? Or more importantly why do be morn or weep?  People mourn for many different reasons.  Sickness, disease, sin, mistakes or failures.  The key is how people react during their time of mourning.  The word mourn is associated with intense sorrow or grief.  To mourn is different than feeling guilty about doing something that is morally, ethically, legally or spiritually wrong.  Those who mourn acknowledge to themselves or to others that some type of sin has been committed.  Lack of mourning of a sin that is committed is ignoring the spiritual implications.  Those who mourn while repenting their sins are blessed. 

What are the different ways people react when they are mourning?  Some run away from their problems or escape to a previous bad habit of comfort such as alcohol or drugs.  Some try to replace the suffering with worldly comforts or possessions such as jewelry, cars, of homes.  Others try to use time as a solution, with the saying “time heals all wounds.”  Few turn to God.  Read Matthew 11:28-30.   

Godly sorrow vs. worldly sorrow:   Read 2 Cor 7:10. The bible provides two excellent comparisons of Godly mourning and worldly mourning, during the Crucifixion of Jesus.  Read Matthew 26:69-75.  Peter’s sorrow led him to weep bitterly.  Read Matthew 27:1-10.  Judas’ sorrow led him to commit suicide.

What does it mean to be comforted?  Comfort comes from the word “Com fort.”  “Fort,” meaning strength or fortress.  “Com” is Latin meaning “with.”  The translations therefore “with fort, or with strength, or fortified.  What a remarkable emotion to provide relief for those who were morning.  This does not mean that all mourners will be comforted.  Only those who testify their sins for repentance.  To be forgiven of sin is only something Jesus can do.  God provides people the pathway through Jesus to wash away our sins.  In Luke’s version, he uses the phrase “you will laugh.”  This is the only instance in the New Testament where “laughter” is they symbol of spiritual joy.  The joy of being comforted

Luke 6:25b:  Woe to those who laugh.  What is the warning to those who laugh?   What does it mean if we laugh now, you will mourn and weep later?  Is it wrong to happy and be laugh about things? (Read again Luke 25b) Life is not a game, the cynics who make fun of the things of God, open themselves up to the curse of God.  Jesus is not saying you cannot laugh at a joke, but if you laugh at the things of God, you will forever mourn and weep.  Weeping and gnashing of teeth is mentioned several times in the New Testament.   Matthew 8:12, Matthew 13:41-42, Matthew 22:11-13, Matthew 24:44-51, and Matthew 25:14-30. 

(3) The meek.  (Read the verse outlined in orange: Matthew 5:5)

Who are the meek? Or what does it mean to be meek?  The common misconception of meek are those who are looked at as demonstrating weakness, being tame or lack of courage, but in essence it is just the opposite.  The meek in the bible are commonly known as those who are humble, peaceful, clear-minded and have a gentle heart.  In Greek, meek has to do with the breaking-in of horses or power under control.  The Greeks also looked at meek as harnessing the fire and passion one has and keeping it under control.  Jordon B Peterson provides a good example as “Those who have swords and know how to use them but keep them sheathed shall inherit the earth.” 

What does it mean the meek will inherit the earth?  Many people believe when we pass from this life to the next, we will be in the kingdom of heaven.  A place with clouds, golden streets, gates of pearl and a mansion for everyone.  But John makes it clear in Revelation 21:1. God’s promises the kingdom is a new heaven and a new earth.  Those who relinquish their power to God will inherit the new earth a perfect kingdom God has provided. 

(4) The hungry and thirst for righteousness (Read the verses outlined in purple: Matthew 5:6; Luke 6:21a, and Luke 6:25a).  Matthew’s version states those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Luke’s version mentions who hunger “now.”

What does it mean to “hunger and thirst for righteousness?”  This is meant to be at the most extreme hunger and thirst.  They are strong words, such as famished, starved, or parched.  When hungering and thirsting for righteousness, it is not seeking self-righteousness. Do not expect everything that has happened over your lifetime to reconciled and made right by God.  Just because one seeks and hungers for something that was wronged in their lives, does not mean God will make restitution and made it right to you.  Righteousness will be judged by the standard of God’s law.

How are those who hunger for righteousness filled? God is the one doing the filling.  Note, it is more meaningful from the perception as being on a journey with hunger and thirst, and then finally receiving the blessing of being fulfilled.  Particularly with joy and peace, they will be abundantly satisfied. 

Luke 6:25a: Woe to those who are full.  What is the warning to those who are full?  And what are they full of?  It does not mean their stomachs are full of food.  This is a warning to those who are satisfied with their wealth, pride, vanity, their own righteousness, or worldly possessions.  For their desire has been nothing but wealth.  They have no appetite for God or spiritual things.  They do not hunger or thirst for Jesus or the Holy Spirit.  For their reward will be to hunger and thirst for something to satisfy the craving of a dying, empty, sinful soul.  Could you just imagine hungering for eternity?

(5) The merciful (Read the verse outlined in gray: Matthew 5:7)

Who are the merciful?  One who has a tender heart, who cares and acts for the good of others.  Demonstrating mercy is an act of choice.  It is emotionally based.  To be merciful means to have real compassion.  To feel and suffer along with another person.  This not sympathy for another person.  The one providing mercy is intensely aware of another person’s pain and feels the yearning to be healed.  Mercy is the character of God.  The Lord is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.   Those who demonstrate mercy on a regular basis, move closer towards God’s character.  When someone displays an act of mercy, it is the closest act of acting like God.  A person who shows compassion or forgiveness especially toward someone who has offended them.  Those that have truly been saved have received the mercy of God.

How will they obtain mercy?  There one word here that gets missed is “they.”  It is an emphatic position in the sentence structure.  He is telling us that they who were merciful, and they alone shall obtain mercy.  Divine mercy is not feeling sorry for the suffering.  When we receive the full mercy of God in all its glory and compassion, we are fully restored into the divine image of God’s purity.   Those who have experienced the mercy and forgiveness from God are more apt to forgive others.    

(6) The pure in heart.  (Read the verse outlined in dark red: Matthew 5:8)

Who are the pure in heart?  The word “pure” is an absolute term.  100%.  Pure means it has not been polluted or mixed with any impurities.  The heart is implied as a person’s moral character, or nature.  In the physical state, the heart is the strongest muscle in the human body.  It will beat over 3 billion times in a person’s life.  Emotions and feelings have been tied to a person’s heart for centuries.  We now know the heart and brain are in a constant two-way dialogue with each other.  When we experience emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, frustration, our heart rhythmic patterns become more erratic.  The heart rate and blood pressure both increases.  We also now know that when we experience heart-felt emotions such as love, compassion, appreciation, and attraction, the heart produces a very different rhythm.  Man is more interested in people’s outward appearance.  They judge people by their words and their actions.  Only God can see our true heart.  Our deepest feelings, thoughts and secrets.  Only by His judgement will he decide whose heart is pure by His standards.  Some scholars say only holy men are pure in heart.  But how is that possible?  With every minute of every day, not to have a single sin enter a person’s mind. Or a single sinful action?  Jesus is the only one who has the ability to cleanse our heart from all of our sins.  Another trait has been one of integrity.  One who has unwavering integrity by words and actions,

Who will they see God?  These people who are pure in heart receive a promise.  The promise is they will see God.  To see God, it is to know Him and appear in his presence.  There will be a time mentioned in Revelation 1:7 where we all will see God.  But not as a friend, as a judge.  It is also mentioned in Revelation 22:4. “And they shall see his face.”  Where they will see the face of God. Jesus promises that when the new kingdom arrives, those who are pure in heart will see God.  Also in that time, it was a high honor to be in the presence of kings and princes, and to be permitted to see them.  God want us to see his face when we enter and dwell in his kingdom.  

(7) The peacemakers.  (Read the verse outlined in yellow: Matthew 5:9)

Who are the peacemakers?  Someone who is actively seeking to reconcile to God and one another.  Peacemaker is a compound word, peace and maker.  The word “peace” in Greek is “eirini.”  It is translated from the Hebrew word shalom.  Shalom has several different meanings, depending on the content, such as serenity, prosperity, perfect welfare and happiness.  It is a wish to another to have everything good.  From God’s perspective it means “perfect peace,” or profound psychological and emotional peace.  The second word is maker.  These people are the makers of peace.  Notice he did not used “peacekeepers or peace lovers.”  To make peace, it requires one to be Christ-like, to be resourceful and a creator of positive good.  They have a peaceful temper.  Study to be quiet.  They strive to prevent contention, strife or war.  Any time there are opposing parties, an opportunity is created to reconciling the two parties.  An old English proverb is “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  Which means most long and deadly disagreements might be prevented by a little kind intervention in the beginning.

Why will they be called the sons of God?  When someone commits to making peace as their priority or job, especially by their own sacrifice, they imitate what Jesus has done.  The result of two or more people in conflict resolution is peace. Such a person is called a “son of God.”  Another perspective is they are and shall be owned by God as his genuine children.  Read 1 John 3:1-2 and John 1:12. The peacemakers receive a unique reward.  They will be called the sons of God. 

(8) The persecuted (Read the verse outlined in brown: Matthew 5:10)

Describe someone who is persecuted for righteousness?  This is different than prosecuted.  Notice what Jesus states.  He states he is not just identifying those people who are simply persecuted, but they are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.  To persecute means literally to purse.  However, in this context, it means to oppress, abuse, mistreat, punish or victimize.  Further towards the extreme would be to torment, torture or martyr someone.  The righteousness are those who are righteous or friends with God.  Or with the subject or topic being righteous in God’s eyes.  They are the virtuous, ethical, moral, honest, innocent and decent people.  Let’s combine both of them and hear what this sounds like.  To persecute the righteousness is to oppress, abuse, mistreat, punish or victimize those who are virtuous, ethical, moral, honest, innocent and decent people.

What is the reward of the kingdom of heaven?  This is the same reward provided to the poor in spirit.  Theirs is the kingdom of heaven or God.  Seeking and obtaining the kingdom of God and needs to be our “first” not chronologically, but first in importance goal to be with the Lord.  Read Matthew 6:33. The kingdom of heaven/God is the most important of all blessings.  One could achieve all of the other blessings; They could inherit the earth, be given mercy, see God, but without being in the kingdom of heaven, they will never spend eternity with God.

Jesus’ Blessing to you (Read the verse outlined in pink:  Matthew 5:11-12 and Luke 6:22-23). This is similar to Matthew 5:10 for the blessing for the persecuted.  As Jesus is teaching the disciples, Jesus is designating this blessing directly to the disciples.  Notice he states the word “when” they revile, hate them and persecute them.  He is accurately foretelling of acts that will happen to disciples in the future, when they spread the gospel in Jesus’ name.

Falsely – “ψευδόμενοι” is translated to English as “lying.” The King James version uses the word “falsely.”  It reads a little differently when using the word “lying” in its place.  They will be hated, reviled, persecuted and evil things said against them because they are believers in him and believing the Gospel He will teach and spread.  Those against Jesus will try to stop the movement of message of the gospel he is trying to spread.  They will tell lies and slander against them, anything to stop the word being spread.

Their reward – Their reward will be enormous in heaven.  It will be a great reward in the future world.  Not of debt, but of grace.  God himself will be their reward.  The reward is promised to those who only suffer for righteousness for Jesus.  The prophets were holy men and predicted future events.  They were religious teachers of the Jewish community.