Matthew 5:1-16 > The Beatitudes - by Jeff Byerley
The Study Matt 5:1-16 The Beatitudes
Outline:
5:1 - 2 Introduction: Jesus' teaching on the mount.
5:3 - 10 Characteristics of Discipleship.
5: 11-12 Responding to persecution
5:13-16. Characteristics of Disciples.
Our Reflections
1. Why is Jesus' teaching here called "The Beatitudes" ?
2. What was the purpose of Jesus teaching (v.1-2)?
3. Why was the teaching so surprising (v.3-16)?
4. Who was the teaching for?
5. Are Christians to be passive or active?
1. Why is Jesus' teaching here called "The Beatitudes" ?
Verses 3 to 10 use the word “Blessed” or “Beatus” in Latin. These verses are also identified as a particular group called an “inclusion”, because they start and finish with the words “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. NB this is a present tense blessing, whilst future tense is used to describe the other blessings (Cf. Col.1:12). It is part of the now and not yet aspects of the kingdom of heaven coming near. This was inaugurated with the coming of Jesus into the world.
2. What was the purpose of Jesus teaching (v.1-2)?
The Gospel of Matthew was particularly used by the church for teaching. It was this teaching that Jesus referred to in Matt 28:19-20(a). “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” Of course the other gospels reflect Jesus' teaching also. Indeed much of Matthew's sermon on the mount appears in Luke, but rather spread out.
3. Why was the teaching so surprising (v.3-16)?
The teaching was quite different from that of the religious leaders that was based on self works and self righteousness that puffed up their pride. The teaching Jesus gave was such that it was impossible to meet God's standards. It drew attention that it would take a divine power to enable any where near achieving. They remind us that life is short with much suffering. Therefore we are to look to God to provide something better. This is seen in verse 4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Some of the thoughts have previously been indicated by God. “Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart” (Eccles 7:2).
4. Who was the teaching for?
Verse 1 mentions the crowd, but then verse 2 suggests Jesus draws his disciples up the side of a mountain to teach them. Was his teaching only meant for his small disciples? The fact that Jesus was using the side of a mountain suggests that quite a number of people must have been present. Moreover, the teaching seems to address a broad community of people, not just his accompanying disciples. Indeed the quote above from Matt. 28:19-20(a) shows that it applies to all Christians.
5. Are Christians to be passive or active?
We observed that some of these verses seemed to suggest a passive nature; the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the pure in heart. However, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and the merciful suggest an active nature. Moreover, the use of the word “meek” (hupselokadia in the Greek) is better translated “lofty-heartedness” (per William Barclay). This can be quite active and we felt that all these qualities re intended to be seen as active, not passive. Indeed, being the salt of the earth and light of the world suggests being pro-active! Unfortunately we felt that some churches these days, seemed to have lost their saltiness and no longer preserve the gospel truths.
I recalled that during my ATO career I did not preach to fellow staff members, but I freely talked about my life as a Christian. A senior officer once said to me that the whole section knew I was a Christian and that they were watching me. That is, they were watching how I conducted myself, how I talked, how I treated people and how I responded to situations. To them I represented Christ (hopefully in a good way).