Jesus and His disciples are journeying back to Galilee on the Sabbath, and they find a grain field. The disciples were hungry, so they plucked a few heads of the grain to eat. Wouldn’t you know that they were being spied upon by those wicked Pharisees – lurking in the shadows to find fault with Christ and His entourage.

            They complained to Jesus about His disciples’ behavior, i.e., calling them blasphemous for ‘working’ (by picking the grain) on the Sabbath. He responds to the Pharisees by reminding them that King David and his men ate the showbread in the Temple when they were hungry, while on the run from King Saul. That was not deemed blasphemous in the Scriptures.

            In addition, He also told them that the priests work in the Temple on the Sabbath, and they are not condemned either (Mt. 12:1 – 5). Then, Jesus drops the hammer:

“I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’” Mt. 12:6, 7. NLT (see also Hos. 6:6).

“The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of the people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” Mk. 2:27 NLT

(Men and devils criticize; Christ sympathizes and intercedes. J.C. Ryle from Daily Readings from All Four Gospels.)

         Jesus is first inviting the Pharisees to realize Who is standing in front of them – none other than the Lord of the Sabbath. He is in essence telling them that He is the law of God and will decide what the proper ways of observing those laws are.

            Moreover, Christ is declaring that the Sabbath was instituted for the benefit of humankind – for resting, and for focusing on and communing with their Creator. The Sabbath holds the people’s necessities in life as paramount – not to be used (as the Pharisees did) to terrorize the laity.

            Upset, the Pharisees are watching Jesus’ every move, in hopes of catching Him commit some form of blasphemy. Awesomely, He does not disappoint – leading them into a conundrum.

            On this same Sabbath, He enters their synagogue, where Jesus encounters a man with a ‘withered hand.’ Christ asks the man to step forward, and simultaneously turns to the Pharisees and asks:

“Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” Mt. 3:4 NLT

            No one answers, and Jesus becomes inwardly angry and grievous, as He spiritually discerns the hardness of their hearts. He answers His own question:

“If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out. Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” Mt. 12:11, 12. NLT

            Jesus immediately has the man stretch out his hand and He heals it – further enraging the Pharisees with plots to kill Him (Mt. 12:13, 14).

            Unfazed, Christ goes to the Sea of Galilee and heals a multitude of people (Mt. 12:15). Afterwards, He went to a mountain to pray by Himself all night.

On the following day, He gathered His disciples and chooses the rest of His personal 12-count apostolic entourage:

And He appointed twelve [disciples], so that they would be with Him [for instruction] and so that He could send them out to preach [the gospel as apostles, that is, as His special messengers, personally chosen representatives], and to have authority and power to cast out demons. Mk. 3:14, 15. AMP

            Christ then sits at the foot of a mountain, with His twelve sitting in front of Him, and gathered behind their backs is a huge crowd. Jesus begins to teach. This first major series of His teachings is referred to as the ‘Sermon on the Mount.’ It is found exclusively in the book of Matthew. However, there is also a ‘Sermon on the Plain,’ found exclusively in the book of Luke.

            Some biblical scholars believe the two sermons are the same, because their messages are almost identical, albeit the Sermon on the Plain is far more compact.  

         This is an exciting moment, as this sermon represents the starting point where Jesus begins to tell us how to live a godly life – one that leads to righteous living, with a guaranteed eternal extension in heaven.  

            Christ is bringing the message of the Old Testament to its final evolution and revealing its synergism with the New Covenant. It is a call to follow Jesus. He begins with a series of short sentences called the ‘Beatitudes’ (Latin for ‘blessed’). They summarize His entire sermon:

“Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].” Mt. 5:3 AMP

         This opening sentence brings with it a wealth of revelation. First, we see that we are blessed (covered with the favor of God), when we recognize that on our own, we are living in spiritual poverty. In other words, we must be cognizant of our need to grow in God and the need for His help to live that godly life. [Recognizing your spiritual immaturity, whilst being willing to grow, is an asset. It means that God can work with you, covering you with His grace, as He helps you to become more like His Son (Rm. 8:29)].

            It does not mean that the children of God are weak. It means that they understand that they’ve been privileged to be able to tap into the Strength of the universe – able to squeeze out every drop of life the Kingdom of God has to offer.

            Secondly, it tells us that ‘theirs is the kingdom of heaven, i.e., access to the kingdom is given to them now – receiving overflowing blessings of spiritual clarity so that they can walk with God in present time:

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Ps. 51:7 NLT

            Returning to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares His second beatitude:

“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].” Mt. 5:4 AMP

            I don’t believe that it was just by happenstance that Jesus next spoke those words. In fact, I’ve never seen Him do anything that was not deliberate.

            Those who mourn, in this example, are those who are fraught over their present spiritual state, as well as perhaps the fruit of the same. They know that they fall out of relationship with God from time to time (through sin), and they feel an unction to repent, to restore their love-connection.

            Jesus continues:

“Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle (meek) [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.” Mt. 5:5 AMP

            Christ is channeling Ps. 37:11. ‘Meek’ does not mean weak. It is translated from the Greek word prasso, meaning ‘gentle’ and ‘humble.’ These traits naturally blanket one when they remove their self, off their mental stage and put God on the center stage of their heart.

            He or she stands in reverence of their Creator, knowing He is on their side. Doing that, they gain an attitude to selflessly serve others; and in so doing, serving God. Again, Jesus says their blessing is in the present.

         The fourth beatitude is really the icing over the first three:

“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.” Mt. 5:6 AMP

            This beatitude crowns the first three, because a hunger and thirst for righteousness cannot manifest until you first recognize your spiritual vacuum, placing you in a position of humbleness – bringing you to mourn for something bigger and better for your life, by conforming your will to His.

             We were created to commune with our Creator, completing the great Circle of Love that is our birthright.

         Jesus uses a contrast to drive His points home thus far:

“But woe (judgment is coming) to you who are rich [and place your faith in possessions while remaining spiritually impoverished], for you are [already] receiving your comfort in full [and there is nothing left to be awarded to you].

Woe to you who are well-fed (gorged, satiated) now, for you will be hungry.

Woe to you who laugh now [enjoying a life of self-indulgence], for you will mourn and weep {and deeply long for God].

Woe to you when all the people speak well of you and praise you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.” Lk. 6:24 – 26. AMP

            Jehovah has no problem with people becoming wealthy.In fact, He encourages it and is glorified by it:

Let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified, who delights and takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” Ps. 35:27 AMP

            What Jesus is referring to in His contrast, are the wealthy who idolize their riches and put their faith in them, instead of God. He is warning us that temporal pleasures are just that – temporary. Idolized wealth, indulging in the flesh, pridefulness, and being cavalier with God, will guarantee that your eternity with Him will not materialize.

            Yet, Jehovah and Christ love you far too much to have you miss out. That’s why they keep extending a heavenly invitation to you. However, the only way to get it, is to accept the invitation while you still breathe…

            Jesus preaches on:

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Mt. 5:7 NLT

         He is saying that if you would live a godly life, it must show up in the way that you relate to others. The grace and mercy of God only flows to you if you let it spill out of you to others in need. Jehovah will always give you a refill.

            ‘Mercy’ is translated from the Greek word eleeo, meaning to show compassion. We are to extend our tender love to others no matter what has transpired around them or from them, because life is hard – especially for those who try to manage it without God.

            We also know that when someone suffers, they often act it out in spontaneous, unintended, and injurious ways – to themselves and others. We’ve all been there ourselves. That’s why the most loving thing that we can do, is to lead them to Christ, Who, will shoulder their burdens (Mt. 11:30).

            Christ presses on:

“Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.” Mt. 5:8 AMP

            What is a pure heart? It is one that transcends any ritualistic form of external cleansing – one that is focused on His will in all circumstances. That same heart will lead its owner back to God’s grace should they fall, reminding them to let the heart lead and not the head.

            Again, Jesus speaks:

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” Mt. 5:9 NLT

            Jesus willingly gives us His inward peace (Jn. 14:27) – the peace that flows from His Father, which is both perpetual and full of serenity. When we accept it, we can transcend the chaos of our inner and outer worlds. And like any gift from God, we want to share His peace by being a peacemaker.

         Up to this point in today’s teaching, is very well summarized by the Apostle Paul:

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Col. 3:12-15. NLT

            Jesus finishes His beatitudes with two more, which are complementary to each other:

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Mt. 5:10 NLT

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted the same way.” Mt. 5:11, 12. NLT

            If you follow Jesus, you will be persecuted. Why? Because you are a living rebuke against their worldly ways. God will reward all His children, purging all the suffering they endured for Him by clinging to His word…

            So, in these beatitudes, we find Jesus opening His heart. He’s clearing away the worldly scales that covered our eyes, purifying our hearts, so that we can live a life that consists of a continuous stream of God moments for all eternity. Christ is emptying our vessels so that we can be filled with His attributes – strengthened by His bulwarks of mercy, peace, and spiritual strength, so that we may make that stand for righteousness.

            Christ is building our character, so that we can represent and reflect Him.

Goodnight and God Bless