When was the last time you paused to think about this: the words of Jesus — the very words spoken by God in the flesh — are written down for us? That still blows my mind. In Matthew 5, if you have a red-letter Bible, you’ll see a block of red that marks Jesus’ longest recorded sermon. And here’s the wild part: it only lasted about ten minutes! Yet those ten minutes changed the world.
Let’s take a fresh look at His words in the Beatitudes and what they mean for us today.
1. Poor, Meek, and Mourning — But Blessed
Jesus begins His sermon with words that almost sound upside down: *“Blessed are the poor in spirit… Blessed are those who mourn… Blessed are the meek.”* (Matthew 5:3-5)
Each of these describes a posture of humility. To be “poor in spirit” means to recognize our need for God, not to put ourselves down. True humility isn’t thinking less of yourself — it’s thinking of yourself less. It’s living with a heart that puts others first, just as Jesus loved us.
Mourning reminds us that life comes with loss and grief. Yet even in those valleys, God promises His comfort. And meekness? Far from weakness, meekness is strength under control — power that chooses peace instead of overpowering.
In each of these “low” moments, Jesus promises a blessing: His kingdom, His comfort, and even the inheritance of the earth.
2. Hungering for Righteousness and Loving Mercy
Jesus continues: *“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness… Blessed are the merciful.”* (Matthew 5:6-7)
All of us long for what is good and right in a world full of brokenness. Righteousness is simply being in right standing with God — a gift He gives us through Jesus. When we crave His righteousness, He fills us with it.
And then there’s mercy. We all know how much we need it, because we all fall short daily. Jesus says when we extend mercy, we receive it. It’s a cycle of grace — the more we forgive, the more we live free. As C.S. Lewis put it: *“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”*
So forgive quickly. Show mercy even when people don’t deserve it. Because God has already been merciful to us.
3. Peacemakers in a World of Persecution
Finally, Jesus says: *“Blessed are the pure in heart… the peacemakers… and those who arepersecuted for righteousness’ sake.”* (Matthew 5:8-12)Pursuing holiness — letting the Holy Spirit purify our hearts — draws us closer to God Himself.
But it also sets us apart in a way that the world doesn’t always welcome. Following Jesus often comes with pushback. Yet even here, He promises blessing: His kingdom and eternal reward.
Being a peacemaker doesn’t mean avoiding conflict. It means stepping into the hard places and bringing reconciliation. It means seeking peace more than comfort. And when we do, Jesus says we are called “sons and daughters of God.”
Salt, Light, and Living Water
Jesus ends this section with a picture: *“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”* (Matthew 5:13-16)
Salt makes food better, preserves what is good, and awakens thirst. In the same way, our lives should draw people toward the living water found in Christ. Light pushes back darkness, helping others see God more clearly through us.
Here’s the challenge: don’t lose your “flavor.” Don’t hide your light. Let your life shine in such a way that others can’t help but notice Jesus through you.
A Parting Thought
The Beatitudes show us that God’s blessings often come in surprising places — in humility, in mercy, in peacemaking, even in hardship. Yet through it all, Jesus invites us to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs Him.
So today, ask yourself: how can I live in such a way that my “saltiness” draws others closer to God? How can I let His light shine through me?
Because in the end, it’s His goodness that leads us — and others — to life.
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