Blessed Are…

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Blessed Are…

Date: Jan. 29, 2021

Passage

Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

1. Jesus' audience (1-2)

Those who came or were brought to Jesus were not the elite of society but the sick, marginalized, and demon possessed. Jesus' own disciples included fishermen whose livelihoods depended on the whims of nature, a tax collector who sold his dignity to the Roman oppressors, an angry political radical, and others. Those who followed Jesus were the people whom Jesus loved and who needed to know that God's love doesn't depend on human standards. As Jesus began his Sermon on the Mount, he spoke to people such as these.

2. Blessed are you (3-12)

Jesus understood the sorrow, yearning, hunger, and injustice that the people were feeling. He didn't, however, point blame or have pity. Instead, Jesus said they are blessed. To be blessed is not something to attain by our efforts, but it is a realization given by God. Even in our struggles and longings, God is with us and will indeed fulfill our hope for justice, righteousness, and kingdom glory.

Prayer: Lord, I repent of my privilege and complacency. May I experience the blessed hunger and thirst for righteousness that sees your kingdom come, even amid pains.

One Word: You are blessed

A Powerful Prayer

Acts 4:23-37

Key Verse: 4:29-30

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Today's Question

What does the fourth commandment require?

See answer and references