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Matthew 5:3-12 – The Beatitudes Perryphrased and the Meaning of Blessed
“Blessed” – what is the real meaning? Some suggest “happy” but I wonder if the meaning of “blessed” is closer to being spiritually “content” or “fulfilled:”
- Each beatitude has a blessing or reward that corresponds with the need. The hungry are filled; the mourners are comforted; etc.
- Blessings from God fulfilled His purposes and individual needs.
- To be blessed implies both giving and receiving which is also implied in fulfilled.
- Jesus uses the word fulfilled to describe His whole purpose (5:17).
In verse 12 Jesus gives an almost parallel expression, “Rejoice and be glad.” I think “blessed-fulfilled-content” is what we are; “rejoice and be glad” is what we do because of what we are.
The Beatitudes Perryphrased:
- #1 – Fulfilled are those who are aware that the kingdom of heaven should not belong to them, for that is how and why they receive God’s rule over themselves.
- #2 – Fulfilled are those who feel the depth of their sin, for they will feel the height of God’s healing salvation.
- #3 – Fulfilled are those strong enough to put aside what they want and appear weak, for they will receive more than they need.
- #4 – Fulfilled are those who don’t fill up on Junk-food religion or the world’s vanities, but want the real thing, for they will be filled and refilled.
- #5 – Fulfilled are those who get what they give, if what they give is undeserved kindheartedness, for they will receive it back.
- #6 – Fulfilled are those who are what God is, for they shall see Him who is seen in them.
- #7 – Fulfilled are those who solve strife, heal hurts, and promote peace, for they shall be like the Prince of Peace and be sons of God.
- #8 – Fulfilled are those who do all the above and not appreciated but gossiped about as thinking they are better than the rest, for then and only then are you like those who have always received God’s rule over themselves.
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