Blessed are the Mourners Matthew 5:4

Matthew shared how Jesus was “baptized” and “tempted” by the “devil”, and he shared how “angels” ministered to Him afterward. Jesus heard that John the Baptist was thrown into prison, and He left His hometown to dwell in “Capernaum” where He began His ministry. Jesus began to preach saying, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, and He called Peter, Andrew, James and John to be His followers. Jesus' fame spread throughout Galilee, and many others were gathered unto Him. Matthew wrote, “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”, and in chapter five and verse four of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus said, “blessed are they that mourn” where we read:

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

The verse reads, “Blessed are they that mourn:” Matthew began with the word, “blessed” which means “oh how happy, supremely fortunate and well off” “are they” or “are the people” “that mourn” which means “who lament and grieve”. Jesus made the statement that people who “mourn” are “oh so happy”.

The verse continues, “for they shall be comforted.” Matthew added the words, “for they” which means “because, since and on account that the people who mourn” “shall be comforted” or “will be entreated, consoled, encouraged and strengthened”. Jesus shared how people who are in a “mournful” state will be “entreated, consoled and encouraged”.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we notice Jesus' statement is different than normal thought. We might ask, how can people who “mourn” be “happy”? While we study these “blessed” people, we notice there is a sequence for the way they are listed by Jesus. First, a person who is “poor in spirit” is blessed. Then the person who “mourns” is “blessed” as well. They humble themselves before the Lord and “mourn” over their “poor in spirit” state and shall be “blessed” before God. God desires to have a relationship with people based upon these “beatitudes” taught by Jesus, and as we study them, may the Lord open our “hearts and minds” to that which He shall declare.

Next time Jesus tells His disciples, “blessed are the meek”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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