The Beatitudes: a Community of Character
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy’ Matt 5:7
What does it really mean to be blessed? Does it mean to have prestige or status in the eyes of the ‘in’ crowd whether that ‘in’ crowd be the wealthy, successful, or those of a particular political perspective? Does it mean to live a life free from suffering, and frustration? Does it mean a certain lifestyle- meaningful work, time for holidays, opportunity to pursue hobbies, a convenient place to live? Does it mean to have good health and a long life?
Our great temptation is to hope for our entire blessing in the circumstances of this life, this world, the present time. In the Beatitudes the only One, the King, who can offer blessedness shows us a new way.
The King’s blessing is found:
1. by living in line with our created nature as creatures made in the divine image. This means reflecting God’s character in our lives. This week, the beautiful quality of mercy.
2. having been saved by king Jesus, and displaying his virtues, we have his promise to receive mercy in the new world that is coming.
May we learn what true blessedness is in an age that offers much but delivers far less.
Reflection Questions
1. What are the signs that may show we are looking for our blessing completely in the gifts of this life- health, wealth, comfort?
2. Near the beginning of his ministry, Jesus went up the mountainside to teach his disciples (Matt 5.1-2). Moses received the law on Mt Sinai, Jesus gives the true interpretation of God’s law on a mountainside, showing he is greater than Moses (eg. Matt 5.21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 38-48). He teaches and fulfils the true intent of God’s commands (5.17-20).
But it is from a character shaped by the reign of King Jesus that obedience and every act pleasing to God springs forth (Matt 7.15-20). The character shaped by the King will naturally obey the commands of the king. Character comes first, character is the key to the life pleasing to God, and is therefore Jesus’ primary concern.
Read Matthew 7.15-20. What point was Jesus making about false prophets?
3. What link do you see between our created nature -divine image bearers (Gen 1.26-28)- and the character Jesus describes in Matt 5.1-12?
4. A definition of character is our heart concerns, attitudes and settled behaviour. Think of a time when someone’s character was an inspiration to you. Share a story that portrays this attractive character. What character traits did you find particularly inspiring?
5. We tend to feel that wealth, approval or comfort makes one blessed. But what about us is Jesus more concerned about in Matt 5.1-12? How does Jesus radically change our definition of blessedness?
6. What might it look like to hold together the characteristics of righteousness (Matt 5.6) and mercy (Matt 5.7) in the complexities of community life?