A Study of the Book of Matthew: Chapter 5 v. 1-12
Chapter 5 starts what we refer to as the “Sermon on the Mount”, and Jesus opens up His sermon
with the Beatitudes. (v. 1-10)
o What does Beatitude mean?
The word Beatitude refers to someone or something that is “supremely blessed.”
In what ways to do like to use the word blessed or blessing today?
It is important to note the usage of the word blessed for each Beatitude before we begin.
The usage of blessed referring is not centered around an earthly or physical gift, but
instead in this instance blessed refers to being “right with God, or approved of by God.”
Beatitude 1. Blessed are the poor in spirit. What does Jesus mean by this?
Though we often use the word poor as a negative, this instance is actually different. The
“poor in spirit” refers to the people that know they are lacking or not self-sufficient for
their spiritual life. What group of people would NOT fall into this group during this time?
The poor in spirit are promised the kingdom of heaven. Why do you think this is?
Beatitude 2. Blessed are those who mourn. What would people mourn about that Jesus is referring to?
We often mourn the loss of a loved one, loyal pet, job, etc., and we can find comfort in
Christ during these things. However, the mourning here is referring to something
different. Read Romans 3:23.
Jesus doesn’t simply refer to our mourning of a sad moment, but instead our mourning of
the fact that if left to our own devices we fall short of the standard of God. We don’t have
to remain this way though.
How does Christ offer us comfort from this? Read Romans 6:23.
Beatitude 3. Blessed are the meek. What does meek mean here?
Meek isn’t used to represent weak people in this instance, but instead refers to those who
are humble. More specifically, people who are willing to humble themselves to the will
of another person. To whom does Jesus want us to humble ourselves to?
Those who are willing to humble or submit themselves to Christ are promised to inherit
the Earth. What Earth is Jesus referencing here?
This could have a two-fold meaning. Jesus could be referencing the new heaven and new
earth that comes with his return, or he could be referencing the blessings he promises his
people when they submit to his will (i.e. Israelites throughout the Old Testament).
Beatitude 4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. What does it mean if a person
doesn’t become hungry and thirsty after many days?
Just as a person who doesn’t hunger or thirst physically is not alive, so also, a person who
does not hunger and thirst for righteousness is spiritually dead. What does righteousness
mean?
If we hunger or chase after God, He promises to satisfy us. Why is He able to do this?
Beatitude 5. Blessed are the merciful. What does being merciful mean?
