Matthew 5: 1-13 - The Beatitudes (Poor in Spirit)

In my thoughts on how I'd like to lay this commentary out, I'd like to allow those who read to see the actual text (in a translated version of course :P) and then offer my understanding of it, as well as, my prayers towards God about it, because it is Him that I greatly desire to understand, thus creating this blog to begin with...

"1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them saying:
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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The sermon on the mount is the first actual teaching of Jesus to the masses that is expounded upon, in the Gospel of Matthew. In this teaching, it is my understanding that these are the characteristics that Christ cares about. They are to guide and show people the path to the Kingdom of Heaven.

I'm going to first say, that while I've done some research into a deeper meaning behind these, I think about what they mean to me...I find myself looking inward. Introspectively, I ask myself, do I have any of these values? Then I realize, that's not the question I should be asking...it's not whether I have these values or not, but instead, that throughout the course of my actions, every action, am I considering these and acting in their nature. (of course I'll fail miserably a lot, but putting that aside) Am I actually keeping these in the forefront of my mind as I go throughout the day. This returns myself to something that I was reading and realized that to understand this, that my thoughts must be more child-like in their reactions towards these words. (this leads me to ask...what does it mean to be child-like? How can I be child-like in my understanding of this verse and, generally, the word of God...more on this later).

In an attempt to understand the first beatitude, I think about what it means to be poor in spirit. Does this mean that I lack an inner-strength as a person? Am I weak-minded? weak religiously? No, I believe it to mean that I need to be empty for God, like the story of the prodigal son. He comes back, he says he's unworthy to be accepted back, he realizes that his only saving grace is through Christ. He realizes that his strengths are weaknesses, that what one truly needs to do, is give his will over to God. (Easy...uhm...heck no)

Perhaps I'm not as articulate in my writing as I am in my head, but I ask you God, help me to not only understand your word on a much deeper level, but also to be able to express it clearly, so that others can understand as well...

Discipleship is an on-going career choice and one that I have very little experience with...You have given me many gifts at which I can use to give your word to others, but clarity of thought and ability to communicate it is not one of them. :) (Yes, God, I did just give you an emote) I pray that you let me be a disciple through word AND deed. For either one without the other is only half fulfilling your will and you don't deserve that and my soul does not either...

The Matty Series...(Sermon on the Mount)

So I figured, to help me truly understand the bible, I can't just read it. That's completely pointless because I'll probably absorb like 10% of it. (the little voice in my head just told me that 10% is probably pushing it for me :P)

So, because of that, how better to truly understand the word of God, then breaking it out and discussing it. This is extraordinarily important as I seek to accomplish, from this, numerous things.

1. To encourage myself to truly think about and understand the word of God.

2. To, not only challenge myself to think about it, but also come up with ideas of how to practice His word and find relatable scenarios that this would be applicable to in one's life.

3. To strike up dialogue with any readers...it's so important to spread the good news of God because it is only through him that we are saved and he tells us how to do this, quite plainly.

So, through these next series of posts I will use the Gospel of Matthew, by chapter, to discuss each idea of Jesus' teachings to man.