The Nine Blessings in the Sermon on the Mount
In this end-time generation, how can a person receive the nine blessings found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount?
I. Jesus’ Teaching in the Sermon on the Mount
Gospel of Matthew Matthew 5:3–12 presents one of the most important teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. This teaching is commonly known as the Beatitudes, in which Jesus declared:
1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
2. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
3. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
6. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
7. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
II. The Spiritual Core of the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes spoken by Jesus were not intended to teach people how to achieve worldly success. Rather, Jesus revealed the spiritual character and nature of the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
These blessings include:
* humbly depending upon God,
* mourning over sin and repenting before God,
* walking in meekness and submission to God,
* hungering and thirsting for God’s righteousness,
* showing mercy and forgiveness toward others,
* maintaining purity of heart like Jesus,
* pursuing spiritual peace,
* and remaining faithful to the truth while suffering persecution for righteousness’ sake.
III. The Spiritual Progression of the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes also reveal a process of spiritual growth:
1. Being poor in spirit helps a person recognize his spiritual poverty.
2. Mourning helps a person understand the holiness of God and grieve over sin.
3. Meekness helps a person humbly surrender to God.
4. Hungering for righteousness helps a person desire the righteousness of God.
5. Mercy helps a person learn God’s grace and show compassion toward others.
6. Purity of heart allows a person’s inner spirit to be cleansed by God.
7. Peacemaking helps a person live out the love of God.
8. Being persecuted for righteousness helps a person stand firm in the truth.
IV. The Ninth Blessing
In Gospel of Matthew Matthew 5:13–16, Jesus continued His teaching by saying:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
From these Scriptures, we can understand that the Beatitudes are the blessings formally proclaimed by Jesus, while being the salt and light of the world is the mission and influence produced by a life transformed through the Beatitudes.
When the life of the Beatitudes matures spiritually, it will naturally become:
* the salt of the earth,
* the light of the world,
* and a living testimony of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Conclusion
From the teaching of Jesus, we may conclude:
“Blessed are those who are the salt and light of the world, for they shall glorify God.”
Whoever wholeheartedly keeps the commands of Jesus becomes the salt and the light of the world, and through such a life brings glory to God. Whoever brings glory to God has, in a spiritual sense, received the ninth blessing. Amen.
