*Matthew 5:1-16
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, the mourning, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted.
- The Beatitudes:
- Jesus begins by pronouncing blessings upon various groups of people, including the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
- Each beatitude highlights a virtue or attitude that is rewarded by God.
- Salt and Light:
- Jesus uses metaphors to describe the roles of his followers in the world.
- He compares them to salt, emphasizing their ability to bring flavor and preservation to the world.
- He also likens them to light, highlighting their responsibility to shine brightly and illuminate the world’s darkness.
- The purpose of these metaphors is to illustrate the impact believers should have on society, influencing it positively through their actions and attitudes.
NOTE: Jesus teachings on the Sermon on the Mount continues with Days 180-185
Matthew 5:1-16 teaches us how to live in a way that pleases God and blesses others. Jesus describes the kind of people God values—those who are humble, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. He also calls us to be like salt and light, making a positive difference in the world through our words and actions. This reminds us to live with kindness, stand for what is right, and share God’s love, knowing that even small acts of goodness can shine brightly in a dark world.
Matthew 5:1-16 (WEB)
5:1 Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be comforted.5 Blessed are the gentle,for they shall inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they shall be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful,for they shall obtain mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,for they shall see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers,for they shall be called children of God.10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake,for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16 Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.