The Sermon on the Mount begins with surprising words. Jesus does not call the rich, the strong or the famous “blessed”, but the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek and the persecuted. These sayings, called the Beatitudes, describe the character of the people of God’s kingdom.

Matthew 5:3-10

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.

King James Version

What “blessed” means

“Blessed” is more than “happy”. It speaks of a person who is in a good place before God, whatever the circumstances. Each beatitude has two parts: a description of the person, and a promise from God.

The beatitudes in three groups

  • Our need before God (verses 3–6): the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. They receive the kingdom, comfort, the earth and fullness.
  • Our attitude toward others (verses 7–9): the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers. They receive mercy, see God and are called children of God.
  • Our faithfulness under pressure (verses 10–12): those persecuted for righteousness and for Christ. Theirs is the kingdom, and their reward is great in heaven.

Questions for a small group

  1. Which beatitude is the most difficult for you, and why?
  2. How is being “poor in spirit” different from having low self-esteem?
  3. Where can you be a peacemaker this week — at home, at work, in the church?

Teaching the Beatitudes

A series of nine short messages, one per beatitude, works well for a month of Sundays or a youth group. Show each beatitude alone on a slide, with the promise highlighted. Read the whole chapter in the online Bible.