The Beatitudes: the character of a disciple
The Beatitudes are mentioned in the book of Matthew, chapter 5 verses 3 to 12 (Matthew 5:3-12). They come at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, sometime after He called the twelve disciples and has traveled throughout Galilee teaching the Word of God and healing the sick and diseased. Many crowds gathered and followed Him as news spread of these miracles across the region and as far as Syria (Matthew 4:24). No matter who they were, what their ailment was, what troubled them, He healed every person in the crowds. He was followed wherever He went, and one day He turned to the crowds and began to teach what is widely known as “The Sermon on the Mount.” The Sermon on the Mount lasts for three more chapters, and in this sermon Jesus teaches the crowds and His disciples about a number of topics, beginning with The 8 Beatitudes.*
Each Beatitude is listed in verses individually and goes over the characteristics of the disciple of Christ, which we will later learn is each one of us who gives our life for His, is born again, and follows Him. Each translation of the Bible lists the same exact characteristics as are mentioned in King James Version, and some offer a more in-depth explanation of each of these. Although the translations use different words, they all deliver the same message: the character of the disciple of Christ is one based largely on the spiritual condition and position of the person, depends greatly on faith, and they all receive their just reward in Christ.
The Beatitudes (KJV)
Matthew 5:
(3) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
(4) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
(5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
(6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
(7) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
(8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
(9) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
(10) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
(12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
References and supplemental materials:
God’s For You Beatitudes study, which is printable and has sections to take notes on scriptures and topics mentioned, along with other tools to help break down some of the word definitions and explanations.
Download the free, printable workbook I designed to accompany this study
In addition to these supplemental materials, I’ll need you to gather a few things. Make sure you have a pen/pencil, a notebook, and access to a physical or digital Bible ready. Be sure to grab sticky notes if you have questions/ prayer notes, or want to add additional references — they help a lot!
Before we begin, I invite you to read the Beatitudes in each translation. There will be one that stands out to you the most — write it down in your notebook. The God’s Word For You study begins with an explanation of what blessed means. If you can, look up the Greek word for blessed as well, and jot down what you find.
As we study each Beatitude, I pray God reveals His rhema word for you and that you receive what it is you need in this season, that this study encourages you in Christ as it did for me, and that you may even be encouraged to read more on your own or share this news with others around you.
In Jesus’ name!
Let’s get started!
* the eighth Beatitude is verse 10 - 12
