The Beatitudes

Jesus, our Master Teacher, once gave a sermon on the Mount of Olives, famously called the Sermon on the Mount. It’s where He revealed a higher law of love and taught the Beatitudes: spiritual characteristics we can aspire to even today.

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Matthew 5:3–12

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

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

The Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount

The Beatitudes help us better understand the blessings God has in store for us and what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

Understanding the Beatitudes

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven”

To be poor in spirit is to be humble and teachable. Jesus wants us always to humbly acknowledge our need for him.

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth”

To be meek is to be gentle, kind, patient, and tolerant – not proud, boastful or conceited. The Savior showed his meekness by being willing to submit to the will of God. Even in a moment of extreme agony, He said to God, “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).

Matthew 5:5

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy”

Jesus Christ was a perfect example of showing forgiveness and mercy. Even when He was suffering on the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Since we all need mercy, we all must show mercy.

Matthew 5:7

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”

Another name Jesus has is the “Prince of Peace”. Jesus encourages us to follow His example by loving everyone so we can live together in peace.

Matthew 5:9

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted”

We will face challenges and problems that will test us. As we mourn our losses and trials, we are promised that we will be blessed as we endure. God will send His Holy Spirit to comfort us in times of need.

Matthew 5:4

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness”

We can come closer to God as we try to follow His teachings and learn more about Him. The more knowledge we seek, the more He’ll bless us with.

Matthew 5:6

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God”

God will make himself known unto us if we are pure in heart. If we earnestly strive to be like God, our motives and actions will be honorable and our hearts will be pure.

Matthew 5:8

“Blessed are those they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake”

We may face criticism for the way we live, what we believe in, and the things we do. Proudly stand up for the principles of God, and He will bless you.

Matthew 5:10

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