Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:1-11

Matthew 4:23, Matthew 5:1-11, Matthew 9:35

When we read the Beatitudes, it’s easy to view them as separate statements in a list. Those who are poor in spirit will be given the kingdom of heaven. Check. Those who mourn will be comforted. Remember that for when you’re a sad girl. And we could go on. Oftentimes we read this section as little tidbits to save for later, but that’s not the way it’s intended. When we read the book of Matthew in whole, we see that this section is actually sandwiched between Matthew 4:23 and Matthew 9:35 which both give an overall picture of the purpose behind Jesus' ministry. I love how John Piper explains this, he writes, “Notice Matthew 4:23. It is a summary statement of Jesus’s earthly ministry, ‘And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.’ One way to restate that verse would be to say that Jesus made it his ministry to preach the coming of the kingdom, teach the way of the kingdom, and demonstrate the purpose and power of the kingdom by healing the sick. Preaching, teaching, and healing.”

As we read this section I think it’s so important to keep that in mind that the beatitudes aren’t meant to be interpreted in isolation. The sermon on the mount isn’t just empty teaching, but we see Jesus physically live out these teachings in His ministry. We see him offer the kingdom of heaven to the criminal who is crucified next to him (Luke 23:39-43). We see him comforting Martha when she goes to Him after Lazarus dies (John 11:35-45). We see Jesus blessing those who are humble in the story of his anointing (John 12:1-8). The list could go on. Matthew’s point is that the same Jesus who taught the sermon on the mount, is the same Jesus who asks us to faithfully follow Him. We can trust His power, presence and word because we have seen Him live out the same things. The Beatitudes are a picture of the coming kingdom, and a reminder that through the Holy Spirit we are given the same power in our ministry. 

As you read the sermon on the mount, would you be moved and awed by the life that Jesus lived. Take the Beatitudes as promises for the future, the coming kingdom which we have been given through Jesus, beautiful Jesus.