Next Sermon - Matthew 5:1-12 on 02/01/09

On Sunday, we will enter the text of what has come to be known as Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount." Because the three chapters of Matthew that contain this body of teaching have many sections, we will go through these chapters as a slower pace. We covered chapters 1-4 in seven sermons, but we will treat chapters 5-7 in ten sermons. Even so, we will have to combine many of these sections to get through at that rate.

This week is Matthew 5:1-12, which includes the introductory verse and the famous "Beatitudes":

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

2 And he opened his mouth and taught 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 meek, 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 are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.