Matthew 5: 2-12 the Sermon on the Mount

² He opened His mouth and 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 shall be comforted.

⁵ “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

⁷ “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

⁸ “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

⁹ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

¹⁰ “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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

This portion of the Sermon on the Mount is the beatitudes. The purpose of this message is it is Jesus' evaluation of man based on the desires of their hearts. Motivation is the key to this message and this is why the Law of Christ is higher than the Law of Moses, because Moses concerned the Law with the actions of men, and Jesus concerns the Law to our intentions.

Daily Prayer: It is a comfort to know that you care for my motivations. So often I have wished that I can serve you in ways greater than what are beyond me. In your evaluation of me, you credit me not for what I do, but on what I want to do. Praise the Lord! Amen.