KINGDOM CHARACTERISTICS
Opening Prayer
Exalted One, I pray for an open mind and a willing spirit, so that I might learn Your truth and share it.
Read Matthew 5:1–12
Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What makes you feel whole and deeply contented? Make a list of the blessings you have received from God. Thank him for each one.‘The beatitudes’ in verses 3 to 12 are not describing different types of people. Instead these are a character profile of every kingdom citizen.
Before a non-native person can live and work in the UK, they must bring skills that a UK employer needs and money to support themselves. Jesus’ specifications for entry into his kingdom are strikingly different. Instead of a skilled worker, verses 3 to 6 describe a desperate refugee – destitute, suffering, dejected, and starving.
Entry to the kingdom begins with the dreadful realization that we are spiritually destitute (v 3). We mourn because we cannot shift the sin that separates us from God. That’s when we discover that Father God rushes to meet us (see Luke 15:20), to comfort us with the good news that we are welcomed – thanks to Jesus’ death on our behalf. Such blessing is riches beyond our understanding, prompting us to yearn for more of God (v 6). God is quick to satisfy that desire and grow his character in us, so that we become more like him: people who are drawn to what is good and holy (v8), the first to show mercy (v 7), quick to put things right and even pay the great cost that peacemaking invariably involves (v 10).
Apply
‘Father God, may my desire for you and your ways grow each day. Thank you that you promise to satisfy this longing. Amen.’
Closing prayer
Dear God, I feel somewhat overwhelmed when I consider the challenges of this passage and its teaching. Spirit of God, press in on me with one truth I need to focus on.
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