Matthew 5:1-12 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 5:1-12 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 5When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Verse 2Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
Verse 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Verse 4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Verse 5"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Verse 6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Verse 7"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Verse 8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Verse 9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Verse 10"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Verse 11"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Verse 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Devotion
The Beatitudes complement the first lesson as examples of Micah's invitation to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.
We are "poor in spirit" or "meek" or "hunger and thirst for righteousness" when we walk humbly with God. We see our need for Jesus Christ and a longing to be filled with his Word. We seek his will.
We are "merciful" or "pure in heart" when we love kindness. We show compassion and mercy. We put others before ourselves.
We are "peacemakers" or "mourners" or "accept persecution for righteousness' sake" when we do justice. We stand with the oppressed, we strengthen the weak, we mediate for peace.
The Beatitudes, like the words of Micah, invite us to be instruments of God in the world. They represent the diversity of our response as he calls us to walk with him in justice and kindness.
Prayer
God of blessedness, show us how to walk in your ways. Amen.