Matthew 5:1-12a

Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

Now when He saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who thirst and hunger for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…”

– Matthew 5:1-12a

Devotion

Moses went up on Mt. Sinai and brought down the Laws of God for the people of Israel. Similarly, Jesus went up to a mountain and delivered the famous “Sermon on the Mount”. Here Jesus laid out the higher law for the new people of God. Most of the themes appear in sharp contrast to the then-present religious system in Israel. Poverty of spirit, in place of spiritual performance and pride; a desire for righteousness that gets to the heart of issues, in place of religious observances that deal merely with external behavior management; a heart that desires to please God in secret, in place of a heart that performs public displays of righteousness in order to be honored by men; a longing to accumulate treasures in heaven, in place of the desire for earthly rewards; a humility that is concerned with my own sin(s), in place of the tendency to see everyone else’s sin(s).

The Big Question

In this sermon, Jesus laid out the higher law of the Kingdom of heaven. It showed us that we are not capable, in our own power, to fulfill this higher law. We need a Savior who will provide forgiveness for our failures, and we need the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to live out these truths. As you look at these eight beatitudes, which one can you relate to the most? Which one do you struggle with the most? What adjustments do you need to make in your life to live out these kingdom principles?

Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what God revealed to you today.