The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)

The meaning of "blessed"

"Blessed" is the translation of the Greek word μακάριος (makarios). For the ancient Greeks, this word described the state of the gods - "free from daily cares and worries". The term is applied to God in two passages of the New Testament (1 Timothy 1:11; 6:14-16).

Being blessed involves enjoying the well-being and deep spiritual joy of those who share in salvation in the kingdom of God. The Beatitudes are a set of characteristics that define those who belong to the Kingdom of God and contrast with the values that are highly thought of in the world.

The term is used in both the Old and New Testaments with three main applications:

1) Blessed are those who observe the Word of God:

"Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands." (Psalm 112:1 NIV)

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." (Revelation 1:3 NIV)

2) Blessed are those who trust in God and in His word:

"Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord." (Proverbs 16:20 NIV)

"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" (Luke 1:45 NIV)

3) Blessed are those who are in a right relationship with the Lord:

"Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit."(Psalm 32:1,2 NIV)

"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:14 NIV)

• Do you keep the Word?
• Do you trust in God?
• Are you in a right relationship with Him?