The first seven beatitudes are difficult enough to apply in life, but it may be that persecution is the toughest of all. Whether it is that colleague at work who always has an insulting comment about your Christianity, or a member of your family that never lets up—it is difficult to suffer persecution. However, verse 10 reminds us that as we suffer in this life, we can look forward to the ultimate glory of heaven.
After Jesus called the twelve disciples they travelled together throughout Galilee while he taught the crowds and healed many suffering from a variety of diseases. Word of his miraculous ministry drew onlookers along with others seeking his healing power. He made paralytics walk. He loosed those shackled by the chains of demonic tyranny. He freed others enduring unpredictable bouts with seizures. The kingdom of God was coming in abundant glory as the gospel would be taken to the nations with freedom for evangelism enhanced by the binding of Satan. What an experience it was for the disciples to see the miraculous healing wrought by Jesus, but it was bewildering as well. Here were these twelve Jews whose vocations included everything from fishermen to a tax collector, none of which seems appropriate for apostleship, yet they were chosen for kingdom work by Jesus. They abandoned all to join this man they knew little about and whose many miracles were like nothing they had seen before. Thoughts raised by Jesus’ ministry anticipate the question asked later in Matthew, “What sort of man is this?” (8:27)
At this point in Jesus’ ministry his identity as the Son of God is yet to be disclosed, the demons knew it, but he instructed them to be silent. He ascended the mountain, sat down, was joined by the disciples, and he “opened his mouth” and taught. The term “opened his mouth” is indicative of the speaker’s authority and the solemnity of what is said. God had spoken to Moses on Mt. Sinai in an intimidating and fearful situation, but Jesus, the incarnate Word, sits with his disciples, speaks to them in a caring manner, and provides comfort and reassurance as he delivers the tough teaching of the kingdom of God.
Interpretations of the beatitudes follow.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (v. 3).
The “poor in spirit” are those who recognize their spiritual condition before God. Martin Luther was greatly distressed because he recognized the pervasiveness of sin in his life, and he came to poverty of spirit by realizing his impotence to remedy his sinful condition. Luther learned no one can be justified by the works of the Law. He knew he was a beggar before God and his only hope was justification through faith in Christ. Poverty of spirit should be a way of life for Christians because they recognize their dire condition apart from the grace of the gospel. One might think “the kingdom of heaven” is a reward for achieving poverty of spirit, but instead those who enter heaven recognize their inability to please God apart from the saving grace of Christ.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (4).
Mourning is usually associated with sadness caused by the death of someone dear, but in this case, mourning is initial and continued repentance, sorrow for sin. As poverty of spirit brings recognition of the need for grace, so mourning for sin is sorrow for its continued presence. Paul’s exasperation expressed in “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom 7:24) as he bemoans the law of sin at war with the law of his mind illustrates mourning for sin. Mourning is comforted by the assurance of the gospel. It is knowing that the sheep of the Lord’s flock are securely in his hands that brings abiding comfort.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (5).
Meek is not a word often used today. To be meek is to be a wimp, and no one wants to be a wimp. The definition of meek is “having or showing a quiet and gentle nature: not wanting to fight or argue with other people.” But Scripture says of Moses that he “was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (Num 12:3). This is the same man who threw down the tablets of the Commandments in anger at the sight of Israel’s idolatrous golden calf.