Matthew 5:1-5

 

Mat 5:1 (KJB)

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

 

Jesus had amassed a great multitude of people, especially because of the fact that He was healing them. They had stayed with Him and they followed Him to this place which is traditionally thought to be about three miles (5 km) south of Capernaum on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Although there were many who followed Jesus, it was basically to His disciples that this Sermon on the Mount was for. Not only for the twelve but for all those who followed Jesus as disciples. When it states that He was “set” it means that he had sat down.

 

Mat 5:2 (KJB)

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

 

It is interesting that the first covenant to Israel was given on Mount Sinai and here the tenets of the second covenant is also being given from a mountain. It outlines the basic principles for living in the Kingdom of God.

 

Mat 5:3 (KJB)

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

The word “blessed” in the Greek can also be understood as “happy,” but the word “blessed” in the Sermon on the Mount goes a lot deeper than just happy. It employs the meaning of “being in favor with God.” In fact, concerning those that God blesses, He actually intervenes in their life in some manner which propels them into a greater relationship with Him. The blessings of God are never for the purpose of simple happiness but is always with joyful purpose. In the first beatitude we read that they are blessed who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Always keep in mind that being poor in any manner does not guarantee a person Heaven. Salvation comes through the Lord Jesus Christ. What is in view here are those who are poor or spiritually poverty stricken. These are the people who are receptive to the true Gospel.

 

(Mat 11:25 KJV) At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. In Matthew 11:25, Jesus prays and thanks His Heavenly Father that the truths of the Gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ has been withheld from the wise and prudent. The truths of the Gospel have been revealed to babes, to those who are poor in spirit. Their hope is not in worldly pleasures or riches like those who holds much of the world’s goods. (Mark 10:24 KJV) And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! A poor person in spirit, that holds no animosity toward God or propensities toward the world’s wealth will be easier to reach with the Gospel. There is also another aspect to this in that those who are poor in spirit are teachable. Try teaching something to someone who holds a Ph.D. and you will get laughed at. Those who are poor in spirit will grow according to their desire for the blessings of God. Some of the wisest people I have known in my 32 years of salvation are those who never set foot inside of a seminary.

 

Mat 5:4 (KJB)

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

 

Mourn - Grieve or lament

 

I have heard this beatitude quoted by well-meaning people at funerals, in fact, I have quoted it myself. There is an element of truth to it as I remember losing both my parents and being in a sad state and the comfort of the Lord was there to see me through and bring me through stronger. However, this beatitude goes much deeper than that. It also has to do with the salvation aspect of our lives. (2 Cor 7:10 KJV) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. When the Lord opens up our eyes to the fact that we are sinners and have sinned mightily against a thrice holy God, then we mourn or grieve for our sins. Once we understand the fact that we are miserable sinners in the sight of God, the comfort comes from knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ has taken all our sins to Calvary. (Col 2:13-14 KJV) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; {14} Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and then not just taking them, His sacrifice has removed all of our sins. (Psa 103:12 KJV) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. He did not just cover our sins, He blotted them out and removed them. This is the great comfort the believer has knowing that they will never have to mourn at the Great White Throne Judgment for their sins because they have been removed and never to be seen again. (Isa 38:17 KJV) Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. If you can find the back of God, then you can find your sins.

 

Mat 5:5 (KJB)

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

 

The “meek” are akin to the “poor in spirit.” The meek are those who are intentionally humble and do not respond in a vicious or evil manner. (Psa 25:9 KJV) The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. The psalms give us some insight into meekness. In Psalm 25:9, we read that God will teach the meek His way and guide them in judgment. To learn God’s way is to learn of salvation and the means by which it is attained, only through the Lord Jesus Christ. When the verse states that they shall inherit the earth, it is speaking of the New Earth which will be created after the last day of this present earth’s existence. Only the saved will be in that New Earth, so meekness is tied to a characteristic of the saved. Jesus was the perfect example, He could have called legions of angels to deliver Him from the cross but he did not because He was lowly in heart and meek. (Mat 11:29 KJV) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. God will guide the meek through His judgment, that is, He will make the right decisions on behalf of all of His Elect. (Psa 48:14 KJV) For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. God’s guidance does not end here on earth but goes into eternity which means it is never ending. (Psa 37:11 KJV) But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The peace that is in view is the peace which comes in salvation, between God and man who was once at war because of sin but is now reconciled because of the cross. (2 Cor 5:18 KJV) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

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