1. “The Beatitudes” Matt. 5:1-12 By Scott Buttes

2. The Beatitudes in Context When does this occur in Jesus’ ministry? Where is Jesus giving this talk? Who is the audience Jesus is addressing?

3. The Beatitudes in Context (Cont.) How is Jesus expressing his message? What exactly is Jesus teaching and why is He teaching it?

4. Two Ways to Interpret the Beatitudes Blessed are those who (Jesus lists a condition), for they shall (Jesus lists a reward). The Common Interpretation – One is blessed because of their condition. Willards’s Interpretation – One is blessed despite their condition.

5. Willard, Divine Conspiracy, p.106 “The Beatitudes, in particular, are not teachings on how to be blessed. They are not instructions on anything. They do not indicate conditions that are especially pleasing to God or good for human beings.

6. (cont.) No one is actually being told that they are better off for being poor, for mourning, for being persecuted, and so on, or that the conditions listed are recommended ways to well-being before God or man. Nor are the Beatitudes indications of who will be on top “after the revolution.

7. (cont.) They are explanations and illustrations, drawn from immediate setting, of the present availability of the kingdom through a personal relationship to Jesus. They single out cases that provide proof that, in Him, the rule of God from the heavens truly is available in life circumstances that are beyond all human hope.”

8. Willard, Divine Conspiracy, p.106 “The Beatitudes simply cannot be “good news” if they are understood as a set of “how-tos” for achieving blessedness. They would then only amount to a new legalism.”

9. Matt. 5:1-12 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying, Mt. 5:1-2

10. Beatitude #1 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for there is the kingdom of Heaven. Mt. 5:3

11. “Poor In Spirit” The Common Interpretation takes “poor in spirit” to mean that one recognizes their own spiritual bankruptcy. Willard’s Interpretation takes “poor in spirit” to mean irreligious, non-spiritual, non- church type people.

12. Problems with the Common Interpretation A) It causes a legalistic, self- centered attitude. E.g. If I am humble, then I will be blessed, which loses humility in the process. This is a salvation by ‘attitude’ mentality. B) Jesus therefore becomes less central and necessary.

13. C) The common interpretation has to tamper with the text. The Greek says nothing of ‘knowing’ that one is poor in spirit. Or in the case of mourning, that one mourns ‘over their own sin.’ D) What if one is not on the list? Are they not blessed?

14. E) The Common Interpretation should cause one to seek to be financially poor, mocked, sad, persecuted, etc. Yet the Bible doesn’t encourage us to seek these things. F) The Common Interpretation revolves around one being blessed in a future age rather than here and now.

15. Beatitude #2 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Mt. 5:4

16. Beatitude #3 Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Mt. 5:5

17. Beatitude #4 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Mt. 5:6

18. Beatitude #5 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Mt. 5:7

19. Beatitude #6 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Mt. 5:8

20. Beatitude #7 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Mt. 5:9

21. Beatitude #8 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mt. 5:10

22. Beatitude #9 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you and because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Mt. 5:11-12

23. The Beatitudes in Contemporary Culture Who would be suitable candidates for the beatitudes in today’s society and culture? Effects of the media and advertising. Effects of an achievement driven society. Effects of the modern breakdown of the family.