Bible Questions and Answers

The ‘Beatitudes’ are found in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 5. Beatitude means blessing but someone also found in the word a useful pun - Be attitude!  Jesus' teaching is an attitude of being of existing in this world according to his word.

Matthew 5:2-11 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 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.

The Beatitudes teach us to set aside selfishness and to act for others and for God. They were radical ideas in Jesus’ day and indeed still are. That is because they are not the things that we would naturally do. However they are exactly the way in which Jesus behaved.

At the heart of the gospel message the teaching that we must try to imitate the character – the way of thinking and behaviour of Jesus, to follow his example. The Sermon on The Mount encapsulate those principles.

I hope you have found this helpful.

God bless,
Mike