Religion

The Beatitudes are referred to the account of ‘Sermon on the Mount’ preached by Jesus, written in Matthew 5: 3-12 in New Testament. It is one of the most cited passage of Bible, not only among the Christians, but among others. . Somewhat similar list of beatitudes is also mentioned in Luke 6:20-23.

Q. What is the meaning of word ‘Beatitude’? And how does it refer to word ‘Blessed’ used in Matthew 5:3-12?

English bible does not contain word ‘Beatitudes’.But it is descended from Latin word ‘Beatus’ meaning ‘Happy’ or ‘Blessed’, the meaning of which is very close to original Greek word Jesus that used . The word in Greek for ‘Blessed’ is ‘Makarioi’ which implies ‘happy, supremely blessed, fortunate’. Before we look into the beatitudes, let us look at the similarity and differences in the gospel accounts of Mat 5: 3-12 and Luke 6:20-23.

In Matthew, all the eight beatitudes are in third persons (‘those’), except the last one. On the other hand, in Luke, Beatitudes are in second person (“you”), followed by the list of ‘Woes’ as well. (Luke 6:24-26) The places where Jesus preached the message are different. (Mat 5:1 – ‘On the Mountain’ and Luke 6:17 – ‘On the plain’) Bible scholars differs on their positions regarding these 2 accounts, whether they are
a) Separate records of the one sermon, or
b) Two different sermons with similar subject
Peoples often point out to such differences to discredit the authenticity and reliability of gospel records. But these minor variations actually serve as an evidence of the genuineness of these records. [Consider an illustration of Professor giving homework to his students. If 2 students have exactly similar, word by word answers, Professor would first suspect ‘copying or cheating’!] Apart from these minor differences, there is a remarkable unity and order of thought and substance in the gospel records.

Beatitudes are the great paradox to the worldly notion of ‘blessedness’ and ‘happiness’. It is no wonder that it does not make sense and almost appears to be a contradiction to the carnal mind. “For the message about the cross is nonsense to those who are being destroyed, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved.” – 1st Cor 1:18

The beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount also defy the great anticipations of an earthly kingdom, which Jews thought Messiah would build! For how can you establish a worldly kingdom by the Weak and the Meek? How can you be merciful to your oppositions? How can you be peacemakers, if you are to set a kingdom? How can you let people oppress and insult you? It is evident that Jesus not talking about earthly kingdom. But he is offering ‘Kingdom of Heaven’.

The more we study the beatitudes, the more we realize that these qualities are not something you can get instantaneously. It is a subtle, gradual change. There are not set rules to accomplish them. Only thing you can do is to allow God to completely transform you from inside. And it is very difficult to give up control of our life and let God be in driving seat.

Beatitudes
Bible Study Lessons

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