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Posted: 8/22/03

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Sept. 7

Jesus communicates solemn truth on how to live

Matthew 5:1-16

By David Jenkins

New Hope Baptist Church, Big Sandy

Try to imagine the setting in which Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. He had appeared as a young peasant from Nazareth, an itinerant teacher, a rabbi “without portfolio.” He spoke not only with authority, but also with winsomeness and compassion. Furthermore, he authenticated his ministry by performing miracles to prove his compassion and concern for those who were hurting.

The crowds came in great numbers (Matthew 4:25), bringing sick people for him to heal. Jesus had just called the men who would be his closest companions. Other people also had become “disciples,” desiring to learn more about him and his teachings. Jesus wanted his followers to understand at the beginning the true meaning of citizenship in his kingdom.

Jesus could not escape the crowds. One day, he led his disciples to a hillside, probably somewhere in the vicinity of the Sea of Galilee. The crowds followed, and he sat down and began to teach them. Sitting was the general posture of synagogue or school teachers.

On the hillside, Jesus likely sat cross-legged, with the people assuming the same position before him. The multitudes were not the quiet, respectful crowds that today would fill an outside arena to hear an evangelist preach. Likely they were a boisterous, noisy people, some probably pushing to get to Jesus with a sick friend or loved one.

Jesus may have raised his hand, signaling for silence. Then he “opened his mouth and taught them.” This phrase was a common expression indicating a solemn truth was about to be spoken. He then began to speak what we know as the Beatitudes, which comprise an introduction to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. He identified the children of the kingdom, showing how they are blessed of God, despised by their enemies, yet valuable to the kingdom as salt and light in the world.

The Greek word translated “blessed” means “fully satisfied,” including a sense of wholeness, joy, well-being and peace. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the joy of one's salvation, which is the result of being indwelt by Christ. “Happy” is not the best translation, since the word comes from the English word “hap,” suggesting only luck or favorable circumstances.

Jesus revealed that the spiritual progress of the kingdom citizen depended upon the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in these beatitudes. The “poor in spirit” (v. 3) describes a totally helpless person, not one who is poor but still able to help himself. Thus the first step toward full, spiritual satisfaction is to realize one's total helplessness. Such a person begins immediately to enjoy the Messiah's reign and the blessings of his kingdom.

Those who “mourn” (v. 4) experience a deep, godly sorrow for their sin and for the sin of others. This word translated “mourn” is very strong, describing the sorrowing for the dead. Jesus promised God's comfort as a result of this kind of mourning. A truly repentant spirit invites the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Divine Comforter.

The “meek,” (v. 5) who have submitted themselves to God reflect a disciplined and controlled spirit. Christian meekness is a combination of self-control and genuine humility. It does not suggest weakness, but a special joy in handing God the reins of one's life.

The “hungering and thirsting ones” (v. 6) are those who desire to experience more and more of God's righteousness–the realization of being rightly related to him. The words translated “hunger” and “thirst” describe those who are starving for food and who will die unless they eat and drink.

The “merciful” (v. 7) are those who have received God's mercy and have become channels of mercy to others. They reveal a genuine caring attitude toward those who are hurting. “Mercy” expresses the everlasting mercy of God who identified with human suffering in Christ.

The word “pure” means unmixed, without alloy. Because of the sinful world in which we live, we are “pure in heart” (v. 8) only as we experience the continual cleansing of God's presence within us (1 John 1:7).

The “peacemakers” (v. 9) are those who, because they are at peace with God, are filled with peace. They work to keep and to make peace whenever it is threatened or lost. God calls such peacemakers his “children,” for they have proved their relationship with him.

In the final beatitude concerning those who are “persecuted for righteousness' sake” (vv. 10-12), the word “blessed” appears twice. The second (v. 11) is a repetition of the first, and provides a strong conclusion to all of the beatitudes. Those who live consistently according to the teachings of Christ often will be considered obnoxious to the world. Those who receive such persecution graciously will be rewarded in heaven with all of the grace, gifts and glory that accompany the reign of the Messiah.

Jesus concluded the beatitudes with two symbols of true discipleship–salt and light (vv. 13-16). Both salt and light indicate that which focuses beyond oneself. Salt suggests preservation and flavor. True believers are a preserving element in society, and they provide the flavor of righteousness in an evil world. Light indicates radiance and openness. Christian commitment is not secretive. It reveals the joy of fellowship with God, which is a witness to the world.

Question for discussion

How has God chosen to impact the world with his truth?