“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:3-12

2 Ways the Beatitudes Are Misunderstood:

1. Entrance Requirements for the Kingdom of God
2. Kingdom Blessings for Spiritual Zeros

Asre | describes someone who is already in a blessed state

Baruk | describes God’s action in blessing someone

Makarios is the Greek word that is used to translate the Hebrew word Asre.

Bottom Line

Jesus is inviting us to experience the blessing of being on the inside of God’s kingdom grace.

Picture
The beatitudes give us a picture of God’s kingdom being fulfilled in Jesus.

Mirror
The beatitudes describe those who are on the inside of God’s delivering grace.

Window
The beatitudes give us a window through which to see and engage the world.

Action Steps

Prayer: Create some space this week to read through the beatitudes and reflect on the following:

• Are you on the inside of God’s kingdom grace? Do you want to be?
• What do the beatitudes teach you about the character of Jesus and his kingdom?
• What do the beatitudes reveal about your life and how centered you are on Jesus?
• How do the beatitudes compare to our culture’s description of who is considered blessed?
  

Practice:

• Option 1: Read the beatitudes every day this week.
• Option 2: Memorize the beatitudes this week.