Exploring the Beatitudes: Lessons for Modern Christian Living

The beatitudes refer to the blessings Jesus shared in two specific scriptures in the bible: Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount and Luke’s Sermon on the Plain. Ultimately, Scholars conclude that the book of Matthew, in particular, consists of eight distinct beatitudes, following a basic pattern. In each, Jesus provides a blessing to unfortunate, repressed, or marginalized groups of individuals. 

Origin and Meaning

The term, beatitudes, originated from the Latin Vulgate with each one beginning with “beātī,” meaning blessed. Likewise, the original Greek translation for “blessed” is “μακάριοι” or makarioi. For example, the sentence “Blessed are the poor in spirit” has a Latin translation, “beātī pauperēs spīritū.” Coined by philosopher, Marcus Tullius Cicero, “beātitūdō,” is a noun in Latin describing a state of blessedness and is mainly used in various Vulgate editions. Subsequently, the Great Bible published in 1540 anglicized the term to “beatyudes,” before it settled on the preferred spelling, “Beatitudes.” 

Different Biblical Versions

The story of Jesus is recounted in the four Gospels, consisting of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with subtle differences. While Mark and John don’t have the Beatitudes, Matthew and Luke have distinct variations. Due to these variations, numerous debates and discussions are common among scholars, who’ve developed a theory to explain them. 

They suggest that Matthew and Luke possibly modified Jesus’ original version to create their own unique accounts. In biblical studies, this original text is known as “Q,” which is German for “source.” However, the physical copy of Q’s absence creates a plausible explanation for the existence of both Matthew’s and Luke’s versions sharing the Beatitudes.

Beatitudes of Matthew

Interestingly, two distinct versions of the Beatitudes appear in the New Testament: Matthew 5 and Luke 6. Notably, the version within Matthew is longer and more popular than Luke’s version. Strangely, scholars aren’t sure of the exact number of beatitudes. Although they suggest eight distinct beatitudes, some opinions vary with others noting nine or ten total. Ultimately, Jesus chose to bless these groups: the poor in spirit, mourning individuals, the meek, those thirsty or hungry for righteousness, the merciful, those pure in heart, peacemakers, wrongly persecuted individuals, and his disciples.

However, the possible ninth beatitude found in Matthew 5:11-12 describes Jesus’ blessing towards the disciples, referencing Isaiah 51:7. The beatitudes discovered in Matthew are directly for the merciful, the peacemakers, the meek, and the pure of heart. Furthermore, New Testament scholar, R.T. France, discovered a connection between Matthew’s verses, 11 and 12, and Isaiah 51:7, revealing thematic continuity.

Beatitudes of Luke

Although Luke’s and Matthew’s Beatitudes share similarities, they have two major differences. Mainly, the blessings in Luke are followed by “four woes” and the “poor in spirit” mentioned in Matthew focuses on spiritual poverty. In contrast, the blessings in Luke center on physical poverty including actual hardships, and rejection of poor individuals who’ll one day find vindication. 

Luke 6:20-22 lists four additional beatitudes. Specifically, Jesus chose to bless the poor, hungry, weeping individuals, and those hated or rejected because of their beliefs. These verses of Luke parallel Matthew 5:11-12, promising the disciples heavenly rewards. However, Luke 6:24-26 features four woes, targeting the rich, the well-fed, those laughing at the pain of others, and those highly praised. Additionally, these four woes differ from Pharisees’ Seven Woes depicted in Luke 11:37-54. 

Analyzing Beatitudes

Individually, the Beatitudes include two unique phrases: condition and result. By teaching numerous universal ideals on humility, compassion, love, and spirituality, Jesus revitalized familiar concepts of the Old Testament that resonated with his followers. Generally, both Christians and non-Christians have praised the Beatitude involving the “meek” as the term is used similarly to Psalm 37:11.

However, some critics, like Friedrick Nietzsche, have an opposing view, of this particular Beatitude. In his book, On the Genealogy of Morals, Nietzsche perceived the verse on meekness as “slave morality.” Yet, Christian teachings continue to encourage individuals to pursue merciful acts due to their alignment with the Beatitude for mercy. Consequently, these merciful acts provide spiritual and temporal benefits to all practitioners.  

Interpretations

An individual labeled a “peacemaker” lives harmoniously with others, aims to unite humanity, and connects men to God. Moreover, the Roman Christian prelate, Gregory Nyssen, also called, St. Gregory of Nyssa, saw these merciful acts as imitations of God’s love, which he considered “Godly work.” Alternatively, the English theologian, John Wesley, believed peacemakers are “calming turbulent spirits,” who ease anxious minds and unite contentious parties.

Diverse interpretations of Matthew 5:3’s phrase “poor in spirit” have sparked numerous discussions. According to American Christian pastor, A.W Tozer, the “poor in spirit” refers to an inward spiritual need for God and is not based on material property. Due to this spiritual poverty, individuals unaware of their spiritual needs cannot obtain or experience the revelation of God. Additionally, Tozer mentioned that these blessed impoverished individuals cannot be enslaved by physical oppression as they’ve obtained spiritual freedom.

American Congressional clergyman, William Burnet Wright, separated the concept of “poor in spirit” from “poor-spirited,” believing the phrase disguised cowardice as humility. To Wright, an individual refusing to stand for their convictions out of fear lives in “creeping paralysis.” Therefore, obtaining true humility requires an individual to recognize their own soul and courageously embrace their convictions. 

Various Purposes

Additionally, scholars question how to interpret the purpose of the Beatitudes, whether as commandments or descriptions. In the commandment perceptive, Jesus encourages individuals to strive for certain qualities, like humility, to receive divine rewards. Contrastingly, the description perspective seems plausible, specifically in Luke’s chapters. Here, Jesus chooses to serve those stuck in their circumstances, such as poverty or oppression. For many scholars, the Beatitudes remind and comfort these specific individuals that God hasn’t abandoned them as He promises to bless them.

Alternatively, a third interpretation describes the Beatitudes as challenges to emulate Jesus’ examples to receive their blessings. For instance, Matthew’s gospel reveals Jesus used actions to demonstrate the Beatitudes by openly weeping, mourning, facing persecution, and offering love and mercy. Following Jesus in thought and action leads one to develop similar qualities to receive the various benefits promised in the texts. 

Final Thoughts

Transcending faith and beliefs, those seeking understanding can gain invaluable life lessons from the Beatitudes. Moreover, each blessing guides individuals on how to live purposeful and compassionate lives. Additionally, the Beatitudes teach self-control, humility, and empathy and encourage people to prioritize kindness and inner peace over power and material wealth. By embracing its principles, Christians and non-Christians can build a harmonious community with each other regardless of spiritual affiliations.