The Sermon on the Mountain

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Matthew 5:3-12

 By Mary Fairchild

The Beatitudes give us a picture of a true disciple of God

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Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs, is the kingdom of heaven. The phrase

"poor in spirit" speaks of a spiritual condition of poverty. It describes the person who recognizes his or her need for Yehovah. "The kingdom of heaven" refers to people who acknowledge Yehovah as King.                                                          

Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who humbly recognize their need for Yehovah, for they will enter into his kingdom."

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Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. "Those who mourn"

speaks of those who express deep sorrow over sin and repent for their sins. The freedom found in forgiveness of sin and the joy of eternal salvation is the "comfort" of those who repent.

 Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who mourn for their sins, for they shall receive forgiveness and life eternal."

 

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Similar to "the poor," "the meek" are those who submit to Yehovah’s authority and make Him Lord. Revelation 21:7 says Yehovah’s children will "inherit all things."  

  Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who submit to Yehovah as Lord, for they will inherit everything he possesses."

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Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. "Hunger" and "thirst" speak of deep need and driving passion. This "righteousness" refers to Yeshua Messiah. To "be filled" is the satisfaction of our soul's desire.      

Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who passionately long for Christ, for he will satisfy their souls."

 

 

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. We reap what we sow.

Those who demonstrate mercy will receive mercy. Likewise, those who have received great mercy will show great mercy. Mercy is shown through forgiveness, kindness, and compassion toward others.                                                      

 Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who show mercy through forgiveness, kindness, and compassion, for they will receive mercy."

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see Yehovah. The "pure in heart" are those who have been cleansed from within. This is not outward righteousness that can be seen by men, but inward holiness that only Yehovah can see. The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14 that without holiness, no one will see Yehovah.                                  

Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who have been purified from the inside out, being made clean and holy, for they will see Yehovah."

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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of Yehovah. The

The Bible says we have peace with Yehovah through Yeshua Messiah. Reconciliation through Christ brings restored fellowship (peace) with Yehovah. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 says Yehovah entrusts us with this same message of reconciliation to take to others.    

 Paraphrase: "Blessed are those who have been reconciled to Yehovah through Yeshua Messiah and bring this same message of reconciliation to others. All who have peace with Yehovah are his children."

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Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Just as Yeshua faced persecution, so will his followers. Those

who endure by faith rather than hide their faith to avoid persecution are genuine followers of

Yeshua.  

   Paraphrase: "Blessed are those daring enough to openly live as and for Yeshua and suffer persecution, for they will receive the kingdom of heaven."Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11

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