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blessed are those who are like Jesus


Sometimes you have to go back through what you have already read or what you learned before.  It could be that you will reinforce what you know or could learn something new.

If you go on a trek through Scripture, you will find most topics taught on many, many times.  Jesus taught His followers over and over again the same things.  It could be because the disciples had hard time learning.  I can identify with that.  It could be that these things are much more important than people thought they were.

Walk with me for a few minutes through a few verses that we might have read several times:

Matthew 5:1-10  NASB
When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 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.

Each of ten verses are deep facts of the character of Christ.  Take some time to dig in to these verses and how they depict the life changed and following God.

The chapter begins with a statement about the way Jesus taught.  This is a calculated plan taking place before the eyes and ears of the disciples, and it is reiterated to us each time we read the verses.  Jesus saw the crowds and began to pour truth in the lives of the people closest to Him.

It is evident that the more like Christ we are the more we will be heard and believed.  May we be found passionate about what really matters in life.  May we believe with all we have and are that Jesus changes every thing for each of us.

“Poor in spirit” continues to remind me that constantly knowing my need for God is right.

Go through each of those verses with an understanding that Jesus was molding His closest followers, and take in the fact that we can influence people each day and each person as we allow ourselves to be like Christ.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” opens the question of what we fill our lives with. 

“Blessed are the pure in heart” is a huge deal.  Integrity.  Honesty.  Life well lived.

“Blessed are the peacemakers” points to the fact that the people of God will spread peace.

Matthew 5:16  NASB
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

John 15:16-17  NASB
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17 This I command you, that you love one another.
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