A Closer Look: The Beatitudes
The upside-down opening of Jesus' greatest sermon.
Walking slowly through Matthew 5.
The big idea
Jesus opens his manifesto by blessing every group the world writes off.
Opening scripture
“Blessed are those who know their need of God, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”
What does “A Closer Look: The Beatitudes” walk through?
Poor In Spirit
Matthew 5:3 · KJV
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
In plain English
Blessed are those who know their need of God, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Bankrupt, And First In Line
The word describes total spiritual bankruptcy — having nothing to bring. Jesus starts the list there, which rules out earning your way in from the first sentence.
Those Who Mourn
Matthew 5:4 · KJV
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
In plain English
Blessed are those who grieve, because they will be comforted.
The Meek
Matthew 5:5 · KJV
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
In plain English
Blessed are the gentle, because they will inherit the earth.
“Every group Jesus calls blessed is a group the world calls unlucky.”
The Merciful
Matthew 5:7 · KJV
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
In plain English
Blessed are the merciful, because they will be shown mercy.
The Peacemakers
Matthew 5:9 · KJV
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
In plain English
Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called children of God.
Descriptions, Not Entry Requirements
These are not conditions to satisfy. They describe what people look like once God's kingdom has got hold of them.
Pray
Jesus, your kingdom is upside down from everything I am told. Turn me the right way up. Amen.
Write it down
Which of these describes where you actually are right now?
Blessed already
You do not have to climb. He started at the bottom.
Which passages does this journey use?
5 passages, drawn from Matthew 5:3, Matthew 5:4, Matthew 5:5, Matthew 5:7, Matthew 5:9. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 8 minutes for the whole thing, or 9 short sittings.
- Matthew 5:3
- Matthew 5:4
- Matthew 5:5
- Matthew 5:7
- Matthew 5:9
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
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A Closer Look: Psalm 23
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A Closer Look: John 3:16
The most quoted verse, slowed down.
A Closer Look: Do Not Fear
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