Beatitudes - Sermon on the MountSample

We discover ‘The Beatitudes’ in the book of Matthew in chapter 5. You may be wondering what the word ‘beatitude’ means; it’s not a word you’re likely to use in everyday conversation!

“Hello John, how are your beatitudes today?”

“Very well, thank you, Kate. How are your beatitudes?”

“My beatitudes are quite good, thank you for asking.”

The word ‘beatitude’ is from the Latin word ‘beatus,’ and it simply means ‘blessed’!

In God’s Kingdom, to be blessed means so much more than just being happy. The Amplified Bible translation, in Matthew 5, describes ‘blessed’ in these ways:

• spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired
• forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace
• inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect
• joyful, nourished by God’s goodness
• content, sheltered by God’s promises
• anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature
• spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favour
• comforted by inner peace and God’s love
• morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness

Wow! God’s blessing is rich and full. As we will discover, these blessings are not just for when life is easy and going well. These blessings are for all the ups and downs we may face. Jesus taught His disciples and followers what life is like in God’s Kingdom. He gathered them together on the side of a mountain and began teaching what is now known as His famous ‘Sermon on the Mount.’ Jesus began by teaching the beatitudes.