How to Read the Beatitudes 

Matthew 5:1-12 

October 9, 2022 

Dr. Brad Hoffmann, pastor 

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And 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 meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  

 1. Poor in Spirit = depressed or bruised  

 2. Mourning = grieving 

 3. Meek = humble or back row 

 4. Searching for righteousness = seeking what's right and just 

 5.  Merciful = sympathetic  

1. Pure = Difference maker 

2. Peacemaker = Reconciler  

3. Persecuted = harassed  

4. Reviled = mocked  

 What do we learn here? 

 The passage is a glimpse of the human condition.  

 1. There is something better. 

 2. What's better isn't tied to my ambition but the Father's provision.  

 3. Jesus is what you're looking for. He is the hope in the human condition. 

 4. Have you trusted Him with your condition?