In a world of fast-paced change with most people doing whatever it takes to come out on top, the teachings of Jesus as he starts off the Sermon on the Mount may seem like foolishness. In our consumer driven, “what’s in it for me” world, this seems like classic teaching on what not to do. As you read through this passage, spend some time thinking through each of these verses and how it applies to you in your life. Take some time to journal your thoughts and what God is speaking to you today.
Matthew 5: 1-10 (NIV)
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
He said:
“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.
As I read through this, I began to replace the first part with “Blessed are those who seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” Many of the character traits listed in these verses are traits that come from putting God above our own desires. I don’t want to be merciful. I want justice. I want to be a peacemaker, as long as everyone agrees with me.
Blessed are those who seek first the kingdom of God, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who seek first the kingdom of God, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are those who seek first his righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are those who seek first the kingdom of God, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
You get the idea. Read through that passage again. All of the results Jesus talks about are things that I want in my life. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
We long for the results, but we do not long for the work. We have decided that the poor in spirit, the meek, and the merciful are characteristics of a weak person. A true leader is a strong go-getter that will do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if it means running over a few people along the way. Whatever it takes to get the results; to turn in the strongest numbers at the end of the day.
Jesus is not teaching that success is bad, but he is teaching that, in every station of life, keep God first and to long after his righteousness above all things. What’s in it for me? If we keep God first, then the highest reward of all, a reward beyond any earthly treasure, will be ours. We will be called children of God and the kingdom of heaven will be ours.
Things to Think About:
- Which of the people in this list did you identify with? (ex: poor in spirit, those who mourn, etc.)
- Do you see a common character trait in this list?
- I wonder if these were character traits that Jesus wanted to teach about, or if there were specific people with these traits that he was speaking to. I can see Jesus looking specific people right in the eyes as he sat and spoke each of these lines directly to specific people. As you go through your life and particularly as you go through this study, perhaps Jesus is looking you right in the eye and telling you something specific. Write down what you feel like God is speaking to you.