The 8 Beatitudes of Christ

Bible Study Lessons from Matthew- 5:1-12

You've probably heard of the the famous sermon on the mount where Jesus gave the 8 beatitudes including one of the most quoted; "blessed are the meek". Maybe you use some of them now as an example for daily living. But, have you read them lately? This guide Christ gave us for living deserves repeated readings.

Matthew 5:1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

2 and he began to teach them saying:

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

The 8 Beatitudes

These verses concentrate on the 8 Beatitudes given by Jesus in his famous "Sermon on the Mount". The teachings of Jesus present a wonderful guide for living our lives. For instance, Jesus is teaching in verse three that if we give all we have for Him, we will be blessed in heaven.

"Light Unto the World"

Sometimes we have to say or do things that contradict the way the world thinks and believes. Christ says we are to be "in the world" but not "of the world" meaning that our light shines to those around us.

We also must remain in a loving state even when it seems that no one loves us in return - an easy thing to say but an unbelievably difficult road to follow. According to the Sermon on the Mount, if we continue to love those who hate us because we are Christians then we are following Christ's' way of thinking. To quote a not-so-popular President Nixon in his farewell speech, it went something like; "People will hate you but, they only win if you hate them back."

He loved the people who would crucify Him

Jesus was hated by many but he never stopped loving them, even up till the time of His death. Jesus was willing to die because of His love for us.

What are we willing to do?

Love in Christ

- Bob

Matthew 4:12-17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry And Preaches In Galilee