The Beatitudes - the "blessed are" verses. But Who are they for? And What do they mean? I mean, it's nice to be blessed, isn't it? But some of these don't sound so nice. Who wants to be poor in spirit or in mourning? Probably not too many people. Unless / until we really understand what they mean.
The Beatitudes - Introduction is article #2 in the series: Beatitudes. Click button to view titles for entire series
In the introduction to the Sermon On The Mount series, we took a brief look at Jesus' intended audience.
But that was back then - when Jesus spoke these words. We aren't those people. There isn't a group of twelve and everyone else.
However, it's still true today that there are disciples of Jesus. By that I mean the true disciples - the ones who really want to follow in His path. See the Grown Again Christian series for more on that.
Anyway - we have still have today a group of true disciples - and we also have everyone else.
And so, while the situation is different, it's also the same. The more things change, the more they stay the same. That old saying is even true here.
At any rate. it's good for each of us to know where we stand - disciple or not. So I also invite you to check out the Grown Again Christian articles. Which group we're in will have an impact on what we get out of The Beatitudes.
Summary
The page introduces the Beatitudes, the “blessed are” verses from the Sermon on the Mount, and explores their meaning and relevance for both Jesus’ original audience and modern readers.
Audience and Application: It discusses the intended audience for the Beatitudes and the importance of understanding one’s position as a disciple or not, affecting the interpretation and application of these teachings.
Definition and History: The concept of beatitude is defined, tracing its origins from the Old Testament to its detailed description in the New Testament, highlighting its significance in Christian theology..
Christian Character: The page emphasizes that the Beatitudes describe the balanced character of Christian people, suggesting that all Christians should aspire to embody all the qualities mentioned.
And more: Please note that this is a concise overview, and the page contains more detailed explanations and theological insights. It provides an explanation of the "churchy" words often used in discussions like this.
In conclusion, the page emphasizes the timeless relevance of the Beatitudes and their application to anyone seeking to be a true disciple of Jesus. It highlights that the Beatitudes are not just historical statements but are meant to be lived out in the present by those who follow Christ. The page encourages readers to strive for the holistic enrichment described in the Beatitudes, living a life of fulfillment as God intended, and to embrace the responsibility of embodying all the qualities Jesus taught. Ultimately, the Beatitudes serve as a guide for an authentic Christian life, reflecting the character and teachings of Jesus in every aspect.
What is a beatitude?
The most complete, and therefore the longest, description of what a beatitude is all about comes from the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible.
The Beatitudes:
Term derived from Latin beatitudo, it is not used in the English Bible. Technically it means “blessedness” as described in the OT and NT. “Blessed” is translated from both Hebrew and Greek words, to refer to divine favor conveyed to man. It is used more particularly of the Sermon on the Mount, where differing literary forms are used in the two versions of Matthew (5:3–12) and Luke (6:20–23). However, the theological and ethical concept of “beatitude” has a long history in the interpretations of the church of the sense of well-being before God’s presence.
The actual word Beatitude is from somewhere between 1375–1425. We also see that. although The Beatitudes is how this passage and a similar one in Luke are described, the concept goes back to the Old Testament.
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