To Be Or Not To Be

To Be or Not to Be

Matthew 5:1-10, NIV

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them. He said: 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Setting the Scene

This section in the Gospel of Matthew is traditionally known as the Sermon on the Mount. If these chapters represent notes taken during one specific occasion, then it probably involved several days of sessions in which Jesus interacted with the crowds that followed him. This concentrated section presents verse after verse of timeless truth. Here we get to experience firsthand what people had been reporting about Jesus’ words—that he taught with authority. Some of the most familiar phrases connected with Jesus can be found in these chapters. It isn’t surprising that this section of the New Testament is often considered among the finest pieces of literature in history.

The Sermon on the Mount begins with an overview by the Master. The Beatitudes can be summarized in several ways. Some readers focus on the obvious applications of the verses, seeing them as a code of behavior for believers in all times and places. Others point to the phrases as declarations of the ultimate values of the Kingdom of God, differing sharply from earthly values and ideals. Those who want to emphasize what Jesus’ words meant to his immediate audience focus on how Jesus’ views contrasted with those of the other religious teachers of his day. Still others see Jesus’ statements connected to the ethical and spiritual ideals of the Old Testament, but now revealed as a seamless description of God’s ultimate purposes for his people. All agree, however, that these verses are not random or optional pursuits for followers of Jesus—each one of them captures an important component of the life of faith.

We respond to the Beatitudes by reflecting on the sequence of Jesus’ statements and using them as a road map to spiritual maturity. God blesses every step we take along our journey of faith. With poverty of spirit, we realize our spiritual bankruptcy and desperate need for God’s intervention. Access to owning the Kingdom of Heaven is rooted in the shattering awareness that we can never earn it or buy it. Mourning relates to our repenting over our spiritual bankruptcy. Recognition of sin requires the follow-up of repentance. The next two steps combine humility (meekness) with a strong desire for right living (righteousness). They are introduced in their true role as by-products in the lives of recipients of God’s blessings. Next come mercy and purity, requiring us to reduce our expectations of others and increase the expectations we place on ourselves. We practice mercy toward others, but strive for purity and transparency before God. The last two steps present a surprising contrast. We are active in making and keeping peace yet must also anticipate a harsh response, or persecution, from others who reject Christ’s Kingdom.

We experience these steps repeatedly in life. Each time we make peace and experience rejection in the world, we gain a fresh awareness of our need for humility and trust in our own lives. The journey lasts a lifetime.

Getting Personal

Which Beatitude seems the most difficult for you?

Based on your growth and experiences to date, which Beatitude most represents your life?

Jesus ended the Sermon on the Mount by inviting his audience to identify themselves in one of two groups (Matthew 7:24-27). Are we people who listen to Christ’s teaching and follow it, or are we people who hear his teaching and ignore it? Exposure to Jesus’ teaching isn’t enough; the truth must be acted upon.

Talking to God

Acknowledge the Lord’s countercultural set of values as expressed in the Beatitudes. Pray through them, seeking God’s work in your life at every step.