A LOOK INSIDE
Today’s scripture begins a study of wisdom in Matthew. Although these are the teachings of Jesus, He uses opposites in some of these scriptures; similar to the writings of Paul. The contrasts used in the early scriptures are explained in the later scriptures and elsewhere in the Bible. In Matthew 23:11 Jesus says “he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” This was unthinkable in that period of time. Servants were the lowliest class of people. How could they ever be described as “great?” Keep in mind that Jesus, son of God, did the work of a servant when he washed the disciples’ feet.
BREAK IT DOWN
JESUS TEACHES
Matthew 5:1,2 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Have you been to a play or rock concert recently? Did you notice how the seats were arranged and how good the sound was in the building? Jesus didn’t have an amphitheater so he used the next best thing – a mountain. This would have put him above the people so that everyone could see him. As far as sound and amplification goes, we can be sure that he was spiritually endowed with a strong voice.
Notice in verse 1 that the number of people is mentioned as “multitudes.” Have you ever spoken to a group of people? You are the center of everyone’s attention. They have all gathered to hear what you have to say. Do you get nervous?
Do you believe that Jesus was ever nervous when he spoke to the multitudes? Do you believe He was nervous when talking with the “doctors” in the temple at age 12 (see Luke 2:46)? At twelve years old Jesus was knowledgeable enough to discuss matters with teachers in the temple. It does not say that he argued, but it would seem that a discussion goes both ways. With this said, it is likely that they were learning from Him also. Was Jesus nervous at any of these times? We have no record of His anxiety other than one instance where He asks, if it is God’s will, that the cup of crucifixion be taken from him.
MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH
Matthew 5:3-7 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
This section of scripture contains the opposite comparisons mentioned earlier. You may look at verse 3 and wonder how the poor in spirit will be in Heaven. What would a wise person strive for? Correct, knowledge. Therefore, someone who is wise enough to realize that he or she is in need of spiritual knowledge will continue to read and study in the quest for that. Besides, at this time what group of people were considered not to be poor in spirit? Correct again, the priests and Pharisees; those who killed Jesus.
Verse 4 says that those who mourn shall be comforted. Are you ever sad? It is not a weakness to admit that your life has not always been solid. Things that may have caused sadness may be – receiving a bad grade when you tried your hardest, having to move to a new city, the loss of a pet, a friend at school, a parent. We have all been sad at one time or another. Did you turn to friends who had been through the same type of issue? Did you turn to a counselor? Did you pray for peace?
You may think that moving beyond a tragedy is never going to happen. Remember, though, with God all things are possible (see Matthew 19:26). We may not completely forget if we have been wronged, but we can forgive. We may not be happy right away after moving away from lifetime friends, but God can help ease the hurt. We may wonder why a wonderful, Godly parent was taken away but God can even help in this situation if you will allow it.
We can take a rather funny look at verse 5. You may ask “the meek will inherit the earth?” They are the kids that get picked on, shoved in lockers, beat up all of the time. Meek does not mean weak. It means “opposed to the proud and ambitious.”[i] Let’s take a look at the groups in your school who would be considered proud and ambitious – maybe athletes, cheerleaders, wealthy? Does this mean that all athletes and cheerleaders will shove a kid in a locker or stand by and laugh at it being done? Definitely not. God calls His people to be involved in sports and other areas to be an example to those of the world. All of His people should “stand out from the crowd.”
Verses 6 and 7 fit well as a followup to the previous paragraphs. If you want more scriptural knowledge and are willing to commit to searching, studying, and learning you can find the resources needed and the strength to commit to that challenge. Various modes of study enter into the discussion here. Maybe you get tired of reading since you have so much of that to do at school, if so listen to audio study helps. Maybe you find it hard to read some of the words contained in the scriptures so that makes Bible study a tough challenge. If so, you may benefit greatly from an additional study in phonics and the process known as “sounding things out.” The most important fact to remember is that all things are possible when God is involved. How does verse 7 fit with the previous verses, you may ask? Mercy, meekness, righteousness; all of these are the traits of a Christian. If you see one of those “meek” people shoved into a locker do you open the door for him? That is mercy. If a flood causes everything owned by a student’s family to be washed away, do you contribute time and/or money to help? That is the merciful approach.
CHILDREN OF GOD
Matthew 5:8,9 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
These two verses add more adjectives to the Christian vocabulary – “pure in heart” and “peacemaker.” To understand the meanings let’s consider the opposites. Examples of corruption would be lying, stealing, or even ignoring a chance to help someone. The opposite of peacemaker is gossip – someone who keeps things stirred up and is always involved in the misery of others. Do you enjoy it when you lose a boyfriend or girlfriend? Then the local gossip digs up the reason why and spreads it to everyone else in the school. Of course, as with all gossip, this may have actually started as the truth. By the time it goes through a few hundred people the story has morphed into some monster that can never be recalled. Since you don’t enjoy being the recipient of such malice, do all that is in your power to avoid being the source of, or a participant in, subjecting someone else to such troubles.
REJOICE IN PERSECUTION
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
These verses of scripture tell us that, as Christians, we can expect to be persecuted. If you look around the world in places such as China you see evidence of true commitment to our call to spread God’s word. The news is filled with those who will break man’s law to open God’s word to people who have never had an opportunity to hear of His grace. These people will take the harsh conditions of prison and even physical death over rejecting Christ and His teachings. They have an understanding of the torture that Jesus was subjected to on the cross and, like His disciples, will carry their own persecution as far as necessary to open the world to God’s word.
Now let’s look at how we may be persecuted and reply to those times of trouble. Are you the target of jokes and laughing by those at school because of your beliefs? Are you referred to by many as “one of those Jesus freaks?” Have the school leaders denied you an opportunity to open an athletic event with prayer? Yes, these are persecutions and we should be strong enough to respond in a Christian manner. Remember that we are to obey man’s law as long as it does not go against God’s law. Those who accept man’s punishment for standing up for God’s law will receive strength from God to withstand whatever will be thrust upon us because all things are possible with God.
WRAP IT UP!
In this lesson we have received many adjectives to file away and use for describing ourselves and other Christians. Calm, committed, caring, and those are just a few of the C’s. We have much that can be learned from God’s word and we should be willing to study, learn from, and stand up for Christ’s teachings. Whether we are at school, our community, or even a foreign country, we should stand out as an example for Christ.
SOMETHIN’ TO THINK ABOUT
What is your reputation around school and is it something that you can be glad to tell others of?
Would you be willing to accept humility and decry worldly wealth for the cause of Christ?
Do you consider being “good” to be an old-fashioned approach?
[i] Johnson, B.W., The People’s New Testament, Sword module version 1.1 (Electronic Edition)