The Beatitudes
Studies in the beatitudes by various preachers at Brackenhurst Baptist Church.
Flourish Like the Father (Matthew 5:43–48)
According to Jesus, those who flourish are righteously related to the Father through his Son. They have righteousness that exceeds merely external righteousness (v. 20). That is, they truly, wholeheartedly, “whole-personally” keep the law of God (vv. 17–19). In the...
Going the Extra Mile: Love in Action (Matthew 5:38–42)
Jesus overturns the principle of “an eye for an eye,” teaching that true discipleship means turning the other cheek, giving generously, and going the extra mile—even for enemies. This challenges worldly justice, modelling God’s mercy and love. Through Christ’s example...
New Snakes with Old Tricks (Matthew 5:33–37)
As we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, we find Jesus describing surpassing righteousness in terms of truth-telling. Tradition had distorted God’s truth in this regard, and Jesus points to two things to correct this distortion:1. Truth-telling...
Covenantal Faithfulness (Matthew 5:31–32)
Matthew 5:31–32 gives us Jesus’ teaching on divorce, which reminds us that the citizens of the kingdom are people of the covenant. Though we are unfaithful, as those joined to a covenant-keeping husband, we have the opportunity to display the glory of Christ as we...
What Do You Want? (Matthew 5:27–30)
In Jesus’ authoritative application of the Old Testament in the Sermon on the Mount, he unearths the truth behind the command to not commit adultery. The righteousness that God requires involves more than merely abstaining from certain behaviours, but desiring the...
Sanctity of Life (Matthew 5:21–26)
The Lord Jesus Christ did not come teaching a radically new way of living. He came to rescue it. We can put it this way: Jesus came to introduce the radically old way of living! This rescue, this redemption, this reforming of their understanding was essential because...
Radical Flourishing (Matthew 5:19–20)
In Matthew 5:17–18, the Lord Jesus makes clear that human flourishing is inseparable from lawful living. His unambiguous assertion that he came to fulfil the Law and the Prophets makes clear that human happiness, blessedness, and flourishing (vv. 2–12) require a...
The Manifestation of the Beautiful Attitudes (Matthew 5:13–16)
Who you are tells you what to do. As we manifest the beautiful attitudes of the beatitudes, we are preservers and revealers to the world. We consider two truths relating to this:1. The Preserving Power of Salt (v. 13) 2. The Revealing Power of Light (vv....
Blessed Are the Persecuted Righteous (Matthew 5:10–12)
As we reach the final beatitude, we will see that it really is the culmination and effect of all of the preceding characteristics of the blessed citizen of the kingdom. We will see that, by experiencing persecution for righteousness’ sake, we experience blessedness...
What Makes Your Heart Beat? (Matthew 5:9)
As we continue our journey through the beatitudes, we consider the blessing that Jesus pronounced on peacemakers. We will consider both the radical requirement of a peacemaker and the fruit of fulfilling that radical requirement. 1. The Radical Requirement of a...
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart (Matthew 5:8)
The beatitude in Matthew 5:8 speaks of the blessedness of being pure in heart. To be pure in heart refers to a simple, undivided affection and longing to live the life God requires. The reason such a person is called blessed is because they will be rewarded by seeing...
Blessed are the Merciful (Matthew 5:7)
We never imitate God more than when we show mercy to others. Christians, or citizens of the kingdom are blessed because, not only have they received mercy, but they continue to receive mercy and expect to receive mercy in future. This makes them people who likewise...
Happy Are the Hungry (Matthew 5:6)
Manny was born into poverty in Lagos, Nigeria. His family of thirteen shared a two-room cinder block house and, like many poor Nigerian families, survived on less that $2 a day, often enjoying only one daily meal. He lacked many of the luxuries that we take for...
Blessed Are the Meek (Matthew 5:5)
In a world that values power, dominance, and self-promotion, Jesus calls us to a different way—a way of meekness, humility, and trust in God. And the promise is clear: The meek will inherit the earth, both now and in the world to come. 1. Examples of Meekness 2....
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn (Matthew 5:4)
We are often concerned with the appraisal of others, their evaluation of our situation, and their being impressed with who we are, what we’ve done, or what we have. But who of us would be impressed with someone who mourns? What is blessed about mourning? Matthew 5:4...
Happy are the Humble (Matthew 5:3)
Human flourishing. Life fulfilment. The abundant life. A happy existence. What ancient philosophers called the “good life.” This has been the pursuit of humanity since our creation. Many have provided definitions and descriptions of what such an existence looks like....
Human Flourishing (Matthew 5:1–2)
The phrase “human flourishing” is frequently found in modern writing. It can be used as a statement of “wokeness,” often clueless of what flourishing really is, or it can be used with biblically legitimacy. We are after the latter. And the Sermon on the Mount is the...