Introduction to the Beatitudes
In Matthew 5 we see Jesus give an exposition of what is commonly called the Beatitudes. They are statements of blessings on those who demonstrate certain qualities in their lives. Note here that Jesus is speaking to his disciples, who came to him after he withdrew from the crowds (v 1).
First, a disciple is one who is under the instruction of Christ. In this instance we see the twelve, those chosen of Christ, receiving his instruction (discipline). Discipline can have positive and negative connotations to a western mindset. We discipline children, meaning to instruct/guide/teach/correct their behavior and demeanor. This is exercised positively because it brings to them fruition and maturity.
Its says in Hebrews 12:5-11 (ESV):
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Therefore, we as His disciples are brought under His discipline, to receive instruction and correction, leading to the bearing of righteous fruit. We are trained by it, willfully coming under his instruction to bear good fruit. A true disciple, one who has faith in Christ, bears fruit because they are attached to, receiving sustainment from, the True Vine (John 15:1-8).
“John 15:1–8 (ESV): I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
The mark of a disciple is what is in focus in the proceeding verses (vs. 2-8). Jesus speaks of the beatitudes, the character of those who are his disciples (come under his instruction/true believers in Christ).
Second, the disciple is called blessed
3107. μακάριος makariŏs, mak-ar´-ee-os; a prol. form of the poetical μάκαρ makar (mean. the same); supremely blest; by extens. fortunate, well off:—blessed, happy (× -ier).
The disciple is blessed, not by some measure of their own righteousness, but fortunate/supremely blessed because of something they have possession of. Note Jesus doesn’t say they are blessed because they somehow gained their estate, but are blessed because of their state. That is a big difference. There is a sense of them being in possession of something, something imparted to them, an evidence of their blessedness, and not by their own fleshly means.
This is the same blessedness spoken of by the Apostle Paul,
“Romans 4:3–8 (ESV): For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
Paul is saying that attaining righteousness, thereby gaining blessedness, is by faith. God justifies the ungodly, shows mercy to whom he shows mercy (Rom 9:15-16; quoting Exod 33:19) in His elective providence. Herein, Paul is explaining the righteousness which comes by faith, not by external works of the flesh, but that justification, blessed because one’s sins are not counted against him.
Regarding this elective redemption Jesus has many things to say in the Gospel account. He chooses his sheep, laying his life down for them alone, and they will know his voice:
“(John 10:11-18) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.”
And after a dispute among them, with them blaspheming Jesus, he states,
“(John 10:25-29) Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”
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