49. Jesus gives the Beatitudes
– Matthew 5:1-12 & Luke 6:17-26
Matthew 5:1-2 “Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach to them.”
After seeing the large crowds, Jesus felt that it was important to pull aside his disciples. He didn’t want them to be tempted by the popularity. He knew that the crowds may influence his disciples to feel proud and possessive. Jesus taught them to not expect fame and fortune, but rather mourning, hunger, and persecution. He warned them of the trials that they would soon face. Nonetheless, Jesus assured them of their rewards in heaven. Jesus now calls us to be his disciples and make other disciples. Therefore, these same lessons are still relevant to us today. God never said that life would be easy after following him. In fact, following Jesus can be really hard. Jesus tells us in the Bible that the world rejects him. If the world rejects Jesus, then it would also reject those that follow Jesus. Still, the hard work is worth it. God promises to help you and never abandon you. You will be rewarded for your trials in heaven. He will bring you justice.
“Beatitudes” means “blessing” in Latin. These beatitudes describe what it means to be a Christ follower. It gives a list of standards of conduct that contrast kingdom values with worldly values. Jesus begins with words that seem to contradict one another. But, God’s way of living typically contradicts the world’s way. God teaches us to be willing to give when others take, to love when others hate, to help when others abuse. A godly life appears strange to the world. It doesn’t make sense. The world is fueled by hate and self-centeredness. While God is fueled by love. You can’t serve two masters. You either chose to serve God or the world. One leads to life abundantly, while the other leads to death and destruction. Jesus points out specific ways for his disciples to be blessed. Jesus not only promises us treasures in heaven, but he also promises us blessings. We no longer have to be affected by our outward circumstances. Jesus gives us a hope and joy so powerful that nothing on this earth can take it away from us. Living a life honoring to God will bring you happiness that is unmatched to anything of this world. Take heart that God will bless those who serve him.
