Reflections on Matthew 5:1-12

Matthew and Luke tell us the story of a time when Jesus was surrounded by his disciples and others on the hillside, and he taught them so many things about the kingdom of God. Matthew gives us the most complete re-telling of this event as the “Sermon on the Mount” (chapters 5,6, and 7).

Jesus started teaching his followers how to live with verses 3-12; what we have come to know as “The Beatitudes.” In many English translations these important sayings about life begin with the words “Blessed are …” While this is an accurate rendering of the words that Jesus used, another credible way of translating these sayings to English would yield “Happy are …” Rev. Robert Schuller, of Crystal Cathedral fame, wrote a book on these verses which he titled The Be-Happy Attitudes.

I like reading these sayings of Jesus with the thought of “being happy.”

Happy are those who know and acknowledge their spiritual poverty, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy are those who mourn over their need for God, for they will be comforted.
Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Happy are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Happy are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

There’s definitely a connection between being hopeful and being happy.

I’m happy to be a follower of Jesus.

Prayer

God of joy and love, help me to be happy as I study and follow Your word in my daily life. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.