The Beatitudes

The beatitudes are attitudes Jesus challenges us to strive for in our lives. Explore each of the beatitudes Jesus shared with His disciples, and calls us to live out today!

Ways to share the Beatitudes with children:

Short video and reflection on each beatitude for all ages:

blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (matthew 5:2-3)

In this case the word “poor” does not mean monetary poverty. Instead it refers to people who recognize how spiritually poor they are without God. Blessings come to those who don’t rely on their own skills or possessions; they look with dependency to God! Think about how our culture rewards independence, self-confidence, and self-reliance. Be dependant on God? It can be hard to acquire this “key attitude” in today’s world. Question for thought: In your own life, how have you been blessed by recognizing your spiritual bankruptcy?

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4)

It is tempting to think of mourning only in the context of death. But Jesus meant more than this type of sorrow – job loss, sickness, a loved one being deployed to a war zone, not making the team, or a best friend who moves away – all reasons for mourning. Add to this list: those who mourn the injustices of this world, and those who recognize the pain that their own sin causes. This sounds like a difficult “key attitude” to acquire! Question for thought: Can we honestly see ourselves as “blessed” when bad things happen? Thankfully Jesus says these sorrows are a source of blessing – in all our times of mourning, God comforts us.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5)

“Meek” has a negative connotation – weak and defenseless. Aren’t the meek ignored and trampled underfoot? We need to look to the Greek to understand what Jesus had in mind – “meek” translates as “gentle,” “humble,” “considerate,” “courteous.” Those with a “key attitude” of meekness are humble people – they are patient, they don’t need to be first, they restrain their anger, they have a servant attitude. The meek also humble themselves before God – they accept God’s guidance in all things. God is in control.

Some people might say that “meek” means someone who doesn’t stick up for them selves – someone who may get bullied or pushed around. Someone who does what others want. That is not what Jesus meant when he said, “Blessed are the meek.” What Jesus meant was, “blessed are those who are considerate, patient, who don’t need to be first, who are humble. Who likes to be first in line when it’s time to line up for recess at school? Who in your family gets to open the first gift on Christmas? Is it hard to wait; to let someone else go first? Is it hard to care about someone else without worrying about yourself?

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

It’s not unusual to hear people say, “I’m starving!” when actually they are just feeling a few hunger pangs. Few people really know what true hunger is. The same for thirst – a turn of the tap, and water is available. But in this Beatitude Jesus isn’t talking about food and drink – he’s talking about justice. Injustices from Jesus’ time still exist today. It isn’t always enough to send a check to aid a worthy cause – we must fight for right with as much passion as one who works for food and water. A commercial for a sports drink asks, “Is it in you?” Question for thought: “Is the hunger [for justice] in you?”

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7)

Webster’s dictionary defines mercy as “kindness in excess of what is expected; kind or compassionate treatment; the power to forgive.” Mercy is more than just having compassion for people in need; it includes those who act on their compassion. As part of human nature, we get our feelings hurt, sometimes too easily. Rather than forgive and try to work things out, it’s off to court we go. Mercy is when the victim’s family forgives a murderer. To show us how to acquire this “key attitude,” God sent Jesus who lived among us, saw things with his own eyes, and felt the things we do. Question for thought: If Jesus can forgive his tormentors from the cross should we do less?

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8

Unblemished, perfect, flawless – these are the words that come to mind when one thinks of “pure.” Ivory Soap claims to be 99.44 percent pure – almost, but not quite. Jesus was pure in heart. We can strive to be pure in heart by being completely focused on following God. From such a devoted focus flow the characteristics of being “pure” that commonly come to mind – no distractions from other desires; no hurtful thoughts; completely open, honest, and sincere in all our relationships – with God and with other people. Attaining this “key attitude” can take a lifetime of training! And what of the promise of seeing God? Jesus didn’t just mean “in heaven.” When we are focused on God, we catch glimpses of God at work in this world. Question for thought: Think of a time when you have been focused on God. How did you see God at work?

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

This “key attitude” sounds simple, but there is more to it. Jesus is talking about right relations between people. In nearly any setting one can find a “troublemaker” and a “peacemaker.” The troublemaker always seems to have a negative attitude or creates ill will in some way, while the peacemaker is always trying to set things straight, and reconcile hostile groups. But being a peacemaker requires that one has his or her own peaceful heart. “When we have a peaceful heart we are better equipped to work for peace in a larger setting” (Bauknight). Question for thought: Are you at peace with yourself so as to work to create right relationships?

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10

If the disciples figured following Jesus would be easy, they were in for a rude awakening! Jesus knew that his followers needed to prepare for persecution. Even today, Christians must take a stand on issues that are sometimes controversial or unpopular. This can be an uncomfortable “key attitude” to acquire! Everyone knows how hard it is to be the person who is “different.” Question for thought: Are you up for the challenge of persecution?

reflections used with permission -Hulbert, Carol. "The Beatitudes: Story Background." Rotation.org. 2009