A New Lens Beatitudes Analysis

by Maximilian Bork
02/20/25
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Introduction

Jesus starts his genius sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, with the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes correct society's values. The Beatitudes help us decipher our priorities. The Beatitudes are examples of who God intends us to become. Jesus starts with these teachings to set the framework for the rest of the sermon. To show everyone the revolutionary system of holiness. To convey the message of heaven’s hierarchy as opposed to humanity’s. Despite first glance, the Beatitudes are so much more. They’re a new way of looking at the world. They’re a new philosophy of who is exalted in heaven. They’re a new lens.

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

The word blessed, used in all of the beatitudes, isn’t defined with fortunate. The original Greek word is makarios (mak-ar'-ee-os) which means “happy.” Happy are the poor in spirit. But what does Jesus convey by poor in spirit? The original Greek word ptóchos (pto-khos') means of one who crouches and cowers. God intends for us to take a step back and realize we are helpless as one who crouches and cowers without him. We need to conclude that we don’t deserve to go to heaven. But for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. And we must remember that that is the only reason the opportunity of eternal paradise is in reach. This means we need to be humble and acknowledge the sins we creatures possess and our desperation of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. 

‭‭Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Once again we need to turn to Greek. Mourn isn’t the best translation of this verse. It can also be translated to “feel guilt.” Utilizing the edits we have conducted with this verse, it now reads: “Happy are those who feel guilt, for they shall be comforted.” Carrying on a similar theme to the previous Beatitude, Jesus is saying we need to feel guilt after committing a sin. We need to display humility towards God. And admit that we have failed to be children of God and we will be comforted. We as humans can’t sin and think it’s okay because we’ll just receive Christ’s condonation. We must feel guilt and attempt to transform our future selves. If man fails to do so, he won’t be comforted. So be humble and feel guilt after sin.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

The word Jesus used, meek, is strange and not often spoken either in the present day or in the Bible. But there is once again a more fitting translation: “contained strength” As a human you wield the weapon of free will. It is a strength we must harness with meticulousity. This is also another beatitude that requires humility. Just like Christ, with more strength than anyone can fathom, humbled himself into a man to perish in the most excruciating way possible for the entirety of humanity. Christ didn’t have to do that just as we don’t have to follow him. But we must be humble and contain our free will.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

The Israelites were familiar with thirst because they lived in a desert. Jesus knew his audience and knew they understood what true thirst was. We must thirst for Righteousness as it is the only thing that can truly replenish our thirst. Sinful earthly pleasures are like Saltwater. It feels good for an ephemeral duration but only makes you thirstier and produces an urge to drink more of it. Happy are those who prioritize righteousness over earthly pleasures. This means we need to be humble by using our life for God rather than ourselves.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

We’ve always heard to forgive our enemies but, the second half of this is essential. This isn’t the only time Jesus mentions forgiving our neighbor and incorporates being forgiven by him in the same verse. To exemplify: Matthew 6:14 states that if we forgive our brother the Father will forgive us. This is invaluable considering an extensive amount of people hold a double standard. The double standard is they expect to receive forgiveness from God after they sin, however, they wish the worst for their enemies. Next time you aren’t forgiving others remember: How can the father forgive me if I can’t forgive them?

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall, for they shall see God.

We are commanded in this beatitude by Jesus to be without sin. To keep our hearts exclusively pure. Jesus isn’t saying that sin is acceptable. Fortunately, humanity was given the gift of redemption. The only reason perfection is obtainable is because Christ forgives. When you are forgiven by God, sin is completely washed away and you become perfect. Utilizing this verse, Jesus is emphasizing the necessity of repentance.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Peace is frequently mentioned in the Bible but strangely it’s also often overlooked. It’s likely because we are told from a young age about the meaning and value of peace. But the word “peacemaker” is only referred to twice in the scriptures. And we need to remember to be peacemakers. To not just sit on the sidelines and watch destruction unfold. But we must contribute to the end of the conflict. Not to just be peaceful in our interactions but to make peace in others’.

Blessed are the persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Society creates hierarchies that don’t correspond to God’s hierarchy in heaven. That doesn’t conclude that hierarchies on Earth are bad. It simply means that we can’t decipher who is righteous based on earthly values. Everyone high on God’s hierarchy will be persecuted for their faith. No one said being Christian is easy, in fact, quite the contrary is true. And so just because someone is disliked by society we can’t dub them a child of Satan. 

Conclusion

To conclude, we’ve uncovered a path to humility in numerous ways. For example, we need to realize we are nothing without God, the importance of feeling guilt after we sin, containing our power of free will and only using it for good, prioritizing righteousness over temporary satisfaction, and forgiving others before expecting mercy from God. We also have discovered God’s view as opposed to society’s. Such as noticing there is something higher than man, that there are more important things than on earth, that seeking revenge isn’t acceptable, and that those persecuted by society aren’t always immoral. We need to look at the world this way, reflect the beatitudes onto our lives, and see a new lens.