Jesus Describes Discipleship

GOLDEN TEXT: “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” —Matthew 5:13,14

MATTHEW 5:1-12

OUR LESSON for today brings to our attention what is familiarly known as the Beatitudes. These set forth the heart qualifications of the followers of Jesus who, as his ambassadors are, as stated in the Golden Text, the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” The high standards of righteousness set forth in the Beatitudes were not given by Jesus as a guide to mankind in general during the present age, for this is not the time for the conversion of the world. They will, nevertheless, be expected of mankind during and after the kingdom age.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus said. (vs. 3) To be “poor in spirit” is to recognize the sense of one’s own need of God and of the spiritual blessings which he alone can supply. One might be wealthy according to the standards of this world, yet feel extremely dependent on the Lord, and long for guidance by and fellowship with him. The self-sufficient cannot be used by God.

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” All who have mourned have not been comforted. The thought here seems to be that of sympathy toward others. Jesus was a “man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,” because he sympathetically felt the sorrows of the people with whom he associated. (Isa. 53:3) Those in this attitude of heart who, as Jesus did, seek to help others, will themselves be refreshed and blessed.

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” To be meek is to be teachable. This is a very necessary qualification for all those whom the Lord will use to teach others. Those who are not meek will not give due heed to the Word of God, hence will not acquire a proper understanding of his plan. Not knowing the truth themselves, they could not be the “light of the world.” The inheritance of the “meek” will be to live and reign with Christ for the enlightenment and blessing of all the families of the earth.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” “Hunger” and “thirst” symbolize a genuine desire for righteousness, a “panting after God,” so to speak. It is not just an outward profession. Those who have this genuine desire for righteousness will be “filled.”

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Mercy is a quality which leads to the forgiveness of others. Jesus, amplifying this, said that unless we do forgive others their trespasses against us, our Heavenly Father will not forgive us our trespasses against him. (Matt. 6:14,15) This makes the quality of mercy most important, for only the merciful will obtain mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” The emphasis here is on heart purity in contrast with a mere outward profession of righteousness. The pure in heart “see” God now in the sense that to these God reveals himself through the truth of his Word. If they continue pure in heart, and prove faithful along other lines, they will later, in the resurrection, be exalted to the divine nature and see him face to face.

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” Every true follower of Jesus will radiate peace and good will wherever he goes. Besides, as ambassadors of Christ, we are all constituted ministers of reconciliation to make peace between God and men on the basis of Christ’s redemptive work. Every child of God and follower of Christ is commissioned to this high service.

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” True disciples will, by their faithfulness, attract a certain amount of persecution, but they will never be persecutors. If they are, they will not inherit the kingdom with Jesus.

These eight Beatitudes do not suggest that there will be eight classes in the kingdom, each having one or another of these characteristics. No, all of these qualifications must be possessed by all who will live and reign with Christ, and be used of the Lord as the “light of the world.” In turn, the entire group of disciples who qualify to live and reign with Christ, enjoy the blessings of all eight Beatitudes. It is a glorious heritage, much of which is enjoyed even now, and will be entered into in its fullness in the “first resurrection.”

QUESTIONS

Quote each of the Beatitudes, and the conditions attached to them.

Are these blessings enjoyed by Christians now, or in the future?

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