The Beatitudes

Among the sermons recorded in the Bible, the Sermon on the Mount is perhaps the best known. Jesus’ hearers literally were astonished when they heard Jesus’ words for the first time. Gently, yet forcefully Jesus expounded the Old Testament with a New Testament focus. It is aptly called the Constitution of the Kingdom of God. In this series we will limit our study to the opening passage of the sermon, commonly known as the Beatitudes. No Scripture equals the description of the citizens of Jesus’ Kingdom than the elementary yet comprehensive sketch of His genuine subjects.

  I’m really delighted to present to you the sixth Beatitude in this part of our studies of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:2–12. I pray that each reflection that we have given to this majestic opening of the Sermon on the Mount may have done at least two things to you. First of all, comfort, as you recognize the workmanship of Jesus Christ in your own heart and life, for that was the intent of this “blessed are.” However, you see many imperfections, and let not these imperfections in how you experience to live out these Beatitudes rob you of the comfort Jesus is giving in these words.

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Rev. A.T. Vergunst is minister of the Gospel in the Reformed Congregation of Carterton, New Zealand.