Realizing the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God.
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Realizing the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God.
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Kingdom Character

Dale Tedder

Thank you for taking the time to join me today as we reflect on the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12. It’s my hope that through this study, we’ll gain deeper insight into what it means to live as citizens of the kingdom of heaven.


The Blessed Life According to Jesus

In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus presents what’s commonly known as the Beatitudes, offering a portrait of the true disciple and the blessed life in the kingdom of God. These blessings aren’t merely superficial happiness but rather a deep, spiritual contentment rooted in our relationship with God. The Greek word used here, makarios, speaks of a state of divine favor and approval, not dependent on external circumstances but on the inward condition of the heart. Unlike worldly definitions of success and happiness, Jesus redefines what it means to be truly blessed.

Jesus begins his sermon by addressing his disciples, yet the crowds are also listening. This reminds us that the call to discipleship is open to all who would follow him (Matthew 11:28-30). The Beatitudes provide not a list of requirements to earn God’s favor but rather a description of the character of those who already belong to the kingdom. As Martyn Lloyd-Jones notes, “The Sermon on the Mount is not a code of ethics or morals; it is a description of what Christians are meant to be.”

The Poor in Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). To be “poor in spirit” is to recognize our utter dependence on God, acknowledging our spiritual bankruptcy apart from his grace. This echoes Isaiah 66:2, where the Lord says, “this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit.” The kingdom of heaven belongs not to the self-sufficient but to those who humbly rely on God’s provision and mercy.

John Wesley emphasized the importance of recognizing our spiritual poverty as the foundation of a transformed life. He wrote, “When we are empty of ourselves, we are filled with God.” In contrast to the pride and self-reliance encouraged by the world, Jesus calls us to a posture of humility and dependence, for only in this can we enter his kingdom.

Those Who Mourn

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). This mourning is not merely sorrow over personal loss but a deep grief over sin – our own and that of the world. In Psalm 51:17, David declares, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” True mourning leads to repentance and a longing for God’s righteousness.

The Meek

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Biblical meekness isn’t weakness but strength under control – yielding our rights and trusting in God’s sovereign will. Psalm 37:11 echoes this promise: “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” Jesus himself exemplified perfect meekness, entrusting himself to the Father even in suffering (1 Peter 2:23).

Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6). This hunger and thirst reflect a deep longing for God’s righteousness to be evident in our lives and in the world. Psalm 42:1 describes this desire: “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.” Only Christ can truly satisfy our deepest spiritual hunger.

The Merciful

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Mercy involves showing compassion and forgiveness to others, just as God has shown us mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5). As recipients of God’s grace, we are called to extend that same grace to those around us.

The Pure in Heart

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Purity of heart speaks to an undivided devotion to God, free from hypocrisy and sin (Psalm 24:3-4). Those who seek God with sincerity will experience deeper fellowship with him.

The Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Peacemaking is a hallmark of God’s children, as they seek to bring reconciliation in a broken world. Romans 12:18 reminds us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Persecuted for Righteousness

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Standing for Christ will bring opposition, but our reward is eternal (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus assures us that suffering for his name is a mark of true discipleship.


Key Principles

  1. The Beatitudes teach us that true joy and fulfillment are found not in self-sufficiency but in recognizing our need for God’s grace and righteousness. Those who acknowledge their spiritual poverty and hunger for righteousness will experience the fullness of God’s kingdom (Matthew 5:3, 6). True dependence on God leads to a transformed heart and life.
  2. Meekness, mercy, purity, and peacemaking stand in stark contrast to the values of the world, yet they’re the very qualities that reflect Christ’s kingdom. In a culture that values power, self-interest, and retaliation, Jesus calls his followers to live differently, showing humility and forgiveness (Matthew 5:5, 7, 9). This distinctiveness is a testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel.
  3. Jesus assures us that suffering for righteousness’ sake isn’t in vain; it’s a mark of true discipleship and evidence of our heavenly reward (Matthew 5:10-12). As believers, we’re called to endure trials with joy, knowing that our faithfulness will be richly rewarded in the presence of God.

Bible Study Questions

  1. How do the Beatitudes describe the characteristics of a true disciple? (Matthew 5:1-12)
  2. What does it mean to be poor in spirit, and how does it contrast with worldly attitudes? (Matthew 5:3)
  3. In what ways does mourning over sin bring spiritual comfort? (Matthew 5:4; Psalm 34:18)
  4. How does meekness reflect Christ’s character, and what does it mean to inherit the earth? (Matthew 5:5; 1 Peter 2:23)
  5. Why should we hunger and thirst for righteousness, and how does God satisfy this desire? (Matthew 5:6; Isaiah 55:1-2)
  6. How does showing mercy reflect God’s mercy towards us? (Matthew 5:7; Luke 6:36)
  7. What does it mean to be pure in heart, and how does it affect our relationship with God? (Matthew 5:8; Psalm 24:3-4)
  8. How can we actively pursue peace in our relationships and communities? (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18)
  9. What forms of persecution do Christians face today, and how should we respond? (Matthew 5:10-12; 2 Timothy 3:12)
  10. How do the promises in the Beatitudes provide hope and encouragement in daily life? (Matthew 5:3-12)

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

  1. How do the Beatitudes challenge your understanding of what it means to live a blessed life?
  2. In what ways have you experienced spiritual poverty, and how did it draw you closer to God?
  3. What does mourning over sin look like in your daily walk with Christ?
  4. How can you cultivate meekness in a world that values power and assertiveness?
  5. What are some practical ways you can hunger and thirst for righteousness?
  6. How have you experienced God’s mercy in your life, and how can you extend it to others?
  7. What steps can you take to pursue a pure heart in your relationship with God?
  8. How can you be a peacemaker in your community and relationships?
  9. Have you ever faced opposition for your faith? How did you respond?
  10. What encouragement do the promises of the Beatitudes offer you in times of difficulty?

Action Steps:

  1. Begin each day with a prayer acknowledging your need for God’s guidance and provision. Regularly reflect on Matthew 5:3 and ask God to cultivate a heart that is poor in spirit and fully reliant on him.
  2. Identify areas in your life where conflict exists and take intentional steps to promote peace and reconciliation. Seek opportunities to be a bridge-builder, demonstrating the heart of a peacemaker as described in Matthew 5:9.
  3. Prepare yourself for challenges by deepening your knowledge of Scripture and cultivating a support system of fellow believers. When facing opposition for your beliefs, respond with grace and confidence in the promises of Matthew 5:10-12.

Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this text. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points. If you found this study helpful, please consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe as well.

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