““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.”
— Matthew 5:3-12
Beatitudes are section of grace and prophetic promise/call.
Demands of sermon are not intelligible apart from the gracious offer of the kingdom and forgiveness that Jesus offers through His presence. Matthew emphasis spiritual aspect of these characteristics. Luke will use more tangible descriptions (poor, hungry, mourning), though OT passages will show the connection that those who are poor/outcast have a spiritual inclination/dependence on God. These are the pious poor.
Can fill in each beatitude as it comes. Would presume that “rewards” are somewhat parallel, not too different. “Seeing God” and “gaining life” are probably pretty similar.
Don’t think it’s a progression of time or spiritual maturity.
Poor In Spirit
Mourn
Meek
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Merciful
Pure in Heart. Is anyone pure? Can anyone see God? Thought this brought death. Point is that all these “blessings” describe the same group of people. A people spiritually minded and humble, seeking God, attempting to obey, thinking properly, devoted to Him and no other. They will gain life and experience the presence of God. They enter God’s kingdom and know Him as King.
Peacemakers
Persecuted
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