The Offer: Supreme Happiness
Introduction
As we examine a particular scene from Jesus’ 1,000 day ministry, we will see that He talked about something He called heightened happiness. It is something we all want. We want it so badly that we can taste it, so badly that we try all kinds of schemes to get to this place.
The Secret Of True Happiness
In the last lesson, we watched Jesus move around the shore of the Sea Of Galilee and call some ordinary people to follow him. Matthew’s gospel tells us tat he went throughout the area, teaching and healing, and news about Him spread even beyond the Galilee region. People in need began seeking Him out, and crowds began to follow Him everywhere – people in pain, people in sin, people oppressed by demons, people in need of happiness, people with all kinds of needs. And He met those needs.
His fame spread. People began to see folks who once were lame and now could walk. People who had been demon-possessed were now free and acting normally. Sick people had been made well. The crowds came to check Him out. They wanted to see what in the world was going on, and they flooded after Him. But whether they knew it or not, they were beyond being simply curious. Every one of them was a person in need. Jesus began to teach to bigger and bigger crowds. One such sermon was The Sermon On The Mount.
The Sermon On The Mount
Mat 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
The Beatitudes
Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
You are probably familiar with these words. These statements are called the Beatitudes, a word that simply means “heightened happiness” or “supreme blessedness.” Jesus was saying, “Look, here is your Height Of Land. Although there may be trouble all around you, in your past and even in your future, you can know true happiness, Your spirit can live in this blessed place.” When Jesus gathered people around Him that day, He knew each one desired to live in happiness, just as we do.
You probably noticed He began every statement with the word blessed. In the Greek language it is the word makarios, which literally means “divinely given contentment and peace.” If that is what you want here is a checklist for how to live in this blessed place.
Checklist For How To Live In This Blessed Place
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
In Greek this translates as totally destitute physically and spiritually. We may feel poor but are we really as poor as Jesus was talking about?
Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
In Greek this translates as strong heavy weeping or lamenting. We are blessed to know that our saviour cares and will comfort us.
Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
In Greek this translates as power under control, power in submission to God. Jesus was telling us to give over power to Him.
Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
This is about those who have a deep desire to know God and be more like Him.
Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Jesus was saying life is way to short to bear grudges.
Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Those who are pure in heart have selfless motives and seek to ensure doing the right thing. Jesus said if that is our focus, if that is who we are, we will see God.
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Jesus is talking about helping others make peace with God thru salvation.
Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Jesus is saying we are blessed just as the prophets were for being persecuted for following Him.