Dear Explorer,
Re-Read Matthew 5:3-12
and
Re-Read Luke 6:20-23
There are a lot of interpretations of these Scriptures – some say they apply only to the spiritual, some say only to the physical. Others say that they can be applied to both. I tend to agree with the “both” theory.
The worst interpretation I've ever heard of the Beatitudes is this:
Jesus is for the poor, the sick, the lonely, the homeless, the outcast, the down and out. And He's against the rich, the healthy, the popular, and the powerful.
That is a terrible interpretation, yet some believe that's what Jesus was teaching.
In Matthew 5:3 and Luke 6:20 both say, “Blessed are the poor….” Even though Matthew referred to the spiritual aspects and Luke to the physical – both represented a major shock to the Jewish community.
Why was this such a revolutionary idea?
It was a new idea because up to that point, the Jewish leaders taught that only the rich were in a right relationship with God. Jesus was determined to break up this belief. He attacked it over and over again in His ministry. He came to bless the poor and the rich! But it was a great shock for Jesus to say that you could be right in the center of God's will and be poor. And it was equally shocking for Him to say that you could be rich and NOT be in a right relationship with God.
Is this wrong belief still a problem today?
In Matthew 5:4 and Luke 6:21, both say, blessed are those who mourn or weep. I believe this could apply to both the spiritual and physical. Many people suffer in this life – but they are not necessarily disobeying God. In Jesus' day, if someone was childless, or crippled, or blind, or had leprosy, or any physical deformity or disease, they were considered to be cursed by God – not blessed! Jesus wanted to make sure that everyone knew that they were included and could receive God's blessings.
Is this wrong belief still a problem today?
I believe both wrong beliefs are still a problem today – not only in the world, but inside our churches. I don't want to get side-tracked on the subject, but I feel that Jesus states clearly that this is a wrong belief and I feel it should be dealt with inside our churches.
Only Matthew records this next blessing in Matthew 5:5. Your translation may say gentle or humble, but the original word is best translated “the meek”. “Blessed are the meek…” Many people don't understand the meaning of this word and associate it with “weak” (that's why the newer translations have tried to use other words). But meek has a unique meaning that I don't want you to miss. How do you define the word meek?
It is a Greek word used in the training of war horses. You didn't want to “break” their wills, you wanted to “meek” them. A meek horse still had all its energy and strength and wildness, but it had learned to bring it under the control of the rider. So, the definition of meek is: Great power brought under the control of someone else. God wants us to be meek to Him. To place Him in control of our lives. Then He can use all our BODY and SELF for His glory. So, blessed are you if you are submitted to God's leading.
In Matthew 5:6 and Luke 6:21, both mention hunger and thirst, one spiritual, the other physical.
Then Matthew 5:7-9 mentions 3 other blessing. Who receives these blessings?
In Matthew 5:10-12 and Luke 6:22-23 both writers say that there is something that should cause us to rejoice. What is it?