Matthew 5.1-12 | The Beatitudes, Part 1

February 12, 2017

Michael Malanga

Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes because they are the fundamental qualities one must have in order to practice what Jesus preaches. The Beatitudes paint a picture of what life as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven looks like. The Beatitudes describe what a Christian is before describing what a Christian does. They define Christian character before they define Christian conduct – for all Christians. It would be wrong to interpret the Beatitudes as Jesus saying, “There are some Christians are pure in heart while others mourn,” or “There are some Christians are meek while others hunger and thirst for righteousness,” or “There are some Christians are merciful while others are pure in heart,” or “There are some Christians are peacemakers while others are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” No. ALL Christians are to have and to practice ALL the qualities listed in the Beatitudes.