Our task, much like the people Jesus was speaking to some 2,000 years ago, is not just to recognize the name of Christ or just recite these verses, but to submit and follow His teaching in all things and in all ways.

Will Durant said “in any given generation only a handful of people make an impression on the world that lasts more than a few years. The person who stands out above all others is Jesus Christ. Jesus undoubtedly has had the most powerful and permanent influence on the thought of mankind. Yet, his teachings have not had a corresponding effect on man’s actions.”

Greek word for Blessed is “Makarios” - blessed, happy, fortunate, blissful, and privileged.

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Poor in Greek is “ptōchoi “which means- to shrink, cower, or cringe.
As beggars often did in that day for money or food. Someone completely dependent on others for sustenance. Someone who has absolutely no means of self-support.

External things cannot satisfy internal needs.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Mourn in Greek is “Pantheō”- weeping and wailing. Usually associated with death.

Our comfort comes in our recognition and confession of our sin.

5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.

Meek in Greek is “Praos”- gentle of spirit, meek, submissive, quiet, tenderheartedness.

An example would be of colts or wild animals whose naturally wild spirits were broken by their master so that they could be useful for work.

Inherit in Greek is “klēronomēsousin”- one receiving their allotted portion, one’s rightful inheritance.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

Hunger and Thirst represent the necessities of physical life. Righteousness is essential for spiritual life.

We now have an appetite not for the things of this world, but spiritual truth and a life of holiness.