Jesus' Teachings 3 (Beatitudes part 2)

(Matthew 5:7) "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Reciprocal consequences of one's actions is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings, especially with respect to mercy and forgiveness. This is logical, for to not be merciful to someone who has wronged us, is to not acknowledge our own sins against God. It would be hypocritical for us to ask God for mercy toward us, yet at the same time withhold mercy from others.

Contemporary Expression
Christians can at times be the most unmerciful people in society. Take a look at recent surveys when it comes to war and capital punishment. Evangelical Christians are almost always the most adamant supporters of the current war and capital punishment. Christians often appeal to "justice" to punish those who they felt victimized them (i.e. criminals, foreign enemies) yet at the same time call for mercy on themselves before God. This is goes completely against the teachings of Jesus, that call us to imitate God in his mercy.

(Matthew 5:8) "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Pure in heart can also be stated "single-mindedness." The teaching here is that a follower of Christ can only have one priority-- seeing God. As Jesus will continue to emphasize throughout his ministry, one cannot serve or even seek God as a mere "part" of their life, rather it can be their only drive and true desire.

Contemporary Expression
There is a popular movement within Christianity that sees the faith as a single building-block of a person's life. This leads to the "hyphenating" of the faith, that is a "Christian-something: Christian-businessman, Christian- rock star, Christian-American, etc." This trend ultimately pits part of a person's identity (faith) with another (job, nationality, etc.) This is a tension where one side will ultimately win over the other. With the world standing in opposition to following Jesus, it is usually the faith that dies or so conforms to the other part of the personality that any true meaning in God is lost. A Christian can have any occupation, any nationality, etc. But this must never be on par with their identity as being a Christian. Seek God above all else.

(Matthew 5:9) "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Believers are called to be peacemakers. The world fights for what it wants through violent means, dividing the people so as to more easily conquer their enemies. Christians on the other hand are to bring peace wherever they go. The word peace refers to reconciliation. As Paul uses it it, peace is being reconciled to something that was once an enemy. Both Jesus and Paul speak of us being reconciled (brought ot peace) with God. We should imitate this godly action by bringing peace to whatever situation we are in, thus illustrating to the world the peace of God.

Contemporary Expression
Many Christians feel that a combative strategy is the best way to meet their desired ends, but this is the world's way, not God's way. God calls us to identify with him (be his "sons") by being peaceful and bring peace to those we witness to. This has implications in day to day encounters with people as well as larger geo-political events such as war.

(Matthew 5:10) "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Building upon all of the previous traits, one would assume that Christians will be run over by the world. This may be true. Jesus speaks at length about persecution and every follower should view suffering for Christ's sake as inevitable. Jesus here promises that those who are persecuted for the sake of holiness will inherit the kingdom of God. The suffering that the Christian life will bring in this world will be rewarded in the next.

Contemporary Expression
Following Jesus is not easy. While some preachers have sought to portray the Christian life as prosperous and always happy, they overlook some of the clearest warnings Jesus gives his followers. A true disciple will be persecuted because the world stands opposed to Christ. The world will tolerate marginal followers of Jesus since they really reflect the world, but the true followers will be hated because they show the light of God, something the world wants nothing of.

(Matthew 5:11) "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Again Jesus warns that people will revile his followers; falsely accusing them of all kinds of evil.


(Matthew 5:12) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

To be a follower of God is to stand with the prophets of the Bible, unfortunately, as one seminary professor once reminded me, prophets tend to get killed by those they seek to help.