The Beatitudes

Matthew chapter 5 begins, “When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying…” The Sermon on the Mount encompasses three chapters in the Gospel of Matthew: chapters 5 through 7.

Over the course of the next 12 weeks we are going to delve into the beginning of the Sermon of Mount: The Beatitudes. The blessings that are given in the Beatitudes were counter-cultural in Jesus’ day and have continued to challenge us present day listeners to live into a different reality. Each week the sermon will center on each of the sayings. Each verse begins with the pronouncement of “Blessed are”, but why are they blessed? In the world of Jesus and in ours the meek, the poor, the mourning, and the persecuted, are not groups one would think of as blessed. Why this choice of words? They are dissident to our ears; are we hearing Jesus right?

The Beatitudes are expansive statements; they cause wonder, soul searching, and at their deepest level a change in perspective and living. They will be our opportunity to walk Jesus as he offers a new perspective on the realm of God.

May 5: Matthew 5:1-2 – Introduction to he Beatitudes (Listen Online)
May 12: Matthew 5:3 – The Poor in Spirit (Listen Online)
May 19: Matthew 5:4 – Those Who Mourn
May 26: Matthew 5:5 – The Meek
June 2: Matthew 5:6 – Hunger and thirst for righteousness
June 9: Pentecost
June 16: Matthew 5:7 – The Merciful
June 23: Matthew 5:8 – Pure in Heart
June 30: Matthew 5:9 – The Peacemakers
July 7: Matthew 5:10 – Persecuted for Righteousness
July 14: Matthew 5:11-12 – Blessed are You
July 21: Matthew 5;13-16 – Salt and Light