The Beatitudes
by Joseph Warren Grammer
by Joseph Warren Grammer
To be an effective disciple of Christ, it might be helpful to understand the Beatitudes as taught by Jesus. Some like to feel that the Beatitudes are so named because they set forth some of the “attitudes” that disciples of Christ ought to “be” possessing; thus the name, “Be-attitudes.” The word Beatitude is a French word which derives its meaning from the Latin word, beatitudo, or beatus, which means to be happy, or blessed. Therefore, one might say that the Beatitudes are blessings of happiness.
The rendition of the Beatitudes, as found in the fifth chapter of Matthew, is the most popular of all the accounts, being the most often quoted by the Christian world. Luke’s recording of the account is sparse, to say the least, comprising only four verses in Chapter 6. The account found in 3 Nephi is held by many Latter-day Saints as the more accurate of the accounts of the Beatitudes, enlarging one’s understanding on a few points.
Another account of the Beatitudes, one that is rarely referred to, can be found in Matthew 5:5-14 of Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of the New Testament. The reason it is not often considered is that it is identical to the account found in 3 Nephi. Consequently, we will not be referring to it in this chapter.
Upon a bit of investigation, it appears that all of the Beatitudes relate to one another in a progressive manner designed to form and refine a more spiritual pattern of Christian discipleship. The pattern may be the following: conversion, maturation, sanctification, persecution, and redemption of a follower of Jesus Christ.
Let’s take the Beatitudes one at a time, observing how this pattern develops, and let’s see how we can relate them to our personal lives as disciples of Christ.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit: for Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20; 3 Ne. 12:3.)
In this first Beatitude both Matthew and Luke state much the same thing. Nephi, however, adds a qualifier. He says that “blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me....” Being poor is no magical status for one to possess, he must also come unto Christ. That also goes for the rich. Temporally and spiritually speaking, all must come unto Christ, the rich and the poor. Without a relationship with Jesus they are nothing and have nothing of value, either in this world or in the world to come.
The word poor, as used in this Beatitude, comes from the Greek word ptochos (pto-khos’), meaning to be a beggar, pauper, and distressed. One might say the “poor in spirit” feel to be as common as beggars, being distressed with the recognition of all their sin. These are those racked with the guilt of their own sins, who possess a broken heart and a contrite spirit. They genuinely realize how sinful they are, how low—even as the dust of the earth—they have become. They understand that they are both temporally and spiritually poor, have nothing, and are nothing without the atoning blood of Christ. Speaking of the Lord, Isaiah wrote, “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2.)
Those who truly believe that they have nothing and are nothing, and come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, will be given all, even the “kingdom of heaven.” The Apostle James encouraged the Christians of his day by saying, “... Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” (James 2:5.) And in a latter-day revelation, the Lord addressed not only the poor in spirit, but those who are not poor in spirit: “Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands! But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs.” (D&C 56:17-18.)
Blessed Are They That Mourn: for They Shall Be Comforted. (Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21; 3 Ne. 12:4.)
The Greek word for mourn is pentheo (pen-theh’-o), meaning to grieve. Those who mourn are those who grieve with sorrow and regret, realizing that their personal sins have been the cause of great suffering for Jesus. They also grieve for the sins of the world that make all men miserable, which sins have also caused the Savior to suffer.
Those who have been persecuted and unrighteously cast out of God’s Church mourn because of injustice among the leadership of God’s people, because of Idolatry that has taken hold of the Church at large, and because of the breaking of the Sabbath and other holy laws. They mourn because of the unrighteous changes that have been made in ordinances, and in the garment of the Holy Priesthood; indeed, they sorrow for the cause of Zion.
Speaking of the righteous and repentant souls under his care, King Benjamin said, “And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.” (Mosiah 4:2.)
The great Prophet, Mormon, was rather elated that his people mourned because of their sufferings. He soon discovered, though, that their mourning was not from a realization of their sins, but because the Lord did not rescue them while they were still in their sins. Mormon wrote, “And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me,... But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrow was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin.” (Morm. 2:12-13.)
Because of their repentant attitude and humility, those that mourn, or grieve, shall be “comforted” with the good news of the resurrection, merciful forgiveness, and the redemptive loving grace of Christ.
Blessed Are the Meek: for They Shall Inherit the Earth. (Matt. 5:5; 3 Ne. 12:5.)
The “meek” are the mild, humble, submissive, obedient and teachable ones. The original word for meek means mild or humble. These are those who truly seek forgiveness and are not ashamed to beg for Divine direction. They humble themselves and trust in God instead of man, and are led by the pure light that comes only from Christ.
From the pen of the Psalmist we read: “The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.” (Psalms 147:6.) “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Ps. 37:11.) “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.” (Ps. 22:26.) “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” (Ps. 25:9.) And from Alma we discover that the meek “shall find rest to their souls.” (Alma 37:34.)
There is a reward for those that are meek. Because they ask, seek, and knock in meekness, they shall find the way. The mighty ones of the earth, those who do not humble themselves before God, shall be cast down, and the earth shall become the possession of the meek. The meek shall be blessed with the abundance of the earth, for the Lord said, “And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it.” (D&C 88:17.)
We are to follow in the footsteps of the Master, for we are to be meek as He was meek. In these words He taught: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matt. 11:29.)
Blessed Are They Which Do Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness: for They Shall Be Filled. (Matt. 5:6; Luke 6:21; 3 Ne. 12:6.)
Hunger, in its original word, means famished or to crave. Those that “hunger and thirst after righteousness” are those that crave to be fed by the Spirit, looking for that direction in life that leads back to Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus. They desire only to taste the heavenly bread that feeds the spirit and satisfies the starving soul, and to drink from the waters of life that can only quench a spiritual thirst. They are those that shall be filled with the Spirit of God.
Righteousness in this scripture means equity, justification, right, and holy. In a true sense then, those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness” crave that which is just, right and holy. In a world gone amuck, many hunger for justice and crave that which is right and equitable. The only way to fill that hunger, or quench that thirst, is for one to turn his life over to Christ, and let Him be the chef who prepares a table of unparalleled delicacies. Nephi and Isaiah invite us to partake of the waters of life and become fat in the Lord: “Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.” (2 Ne. 9:50-51; Isa. 55:1-2.)
After His resurrection, Jesus visited the Nephites on the American continent and taught them about the sacrament. In doing so, He said, “He that eateth this bread eateth of my body to his soul; and he that drinketh of this wine drinketh of my blood to his soul; and his soul shall never hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled.” (3 Ne. 20:8.)
Many will go to almost any length to feed their bodies with physical bread and quench their thirsts with water. True followers of Christ, who hunger and thirst after righteousness, will give all they have for the bread of life and living waters. It is their eternal and unending quest. They that lose their lives in this quest shall find it in Jesus Christ. (Matt. 10:39.) The Apostle John records that Jesus said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35.)
Blessed Are the Merciful: for They Shall Obtain Mercy. (Matt. 5:7; 3 Ne. 12:7.)
The word “merciful” comes from the word eleemon, meaning to be compassionate. The “merciful” are those who show forth pure charity, compassion and forgiveness to their brothers, just as compassion and forgiveness were extended to them through the grace of Christ. We are taught that “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” (Ps. 103:8.) As disciples of Christ, we are to follow His example as Luke records: “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36.)
Those who are merciful and show compassion shall, in like manner, obtain “mercy,” even grace from Christ for the grace they extend to others—even grace for grace.
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart: for They Shall See God. (Matt. 5:8; 3 Ne. 12:8.)
Through the atonement and the pure love of Christ, the merciful become clean, sanctified, and unspotted from sin. The merciful are those whose hearts have been cleansed through the blood of their redeemer, Jesus the Christ, who purges out the old and refines the new through the fires of refining adversity. Only those who have clean hands and are purified shall see God. It is written: “Who shall ascend unto the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” (Ps. 24:3-4.)
In these latter days the Lord encourages us when He says that the “pure in heart” shall “build up the waste places of Zion” (D&C 101:18), “shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs” (D&C 56:18), and that they “shall see God.” (D&C 97:16.)
Blessed Are the Peacemakers: for They Shall Be Called the Children of God. (Matt. 5:9; 3 Ne. 12:9.)
The “peacemakers” are the peaceable ones of the earth. Those that preach the words of redeeming love, help bring peace to the souls of those that are “poor in spirit.” They publish peace to the world and the message of sanctifying grace. From Nephi we read, “... whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.” (1 Ne. 13:37.) “And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!” (Mosiah 15:15-17.)
At the birth of Jesus, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14), and Jesus gave us security when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27.) Matthew recorded the words of the Master: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matt. 11:28-30.)
Peace comes through the assurance of eternal life because of the atonement and grace of Christ. Total peace and assurance come only to the clean and sanctified, those that are “born of God.” When they receive that assurance, they truly become the “children of God.”
Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake: for Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matt. 5:10; 3 Ne. 12:10.)
History tells us that those who totally consecrate and fully turn their lives over to Christ, who strive with all they have to follow Him at all cost, will be greatly plagued, abused, and persecutions—even by members of their own faith who claim to profess Christ.
Why is this so? It may be because very few have their eyes single to the glory of God, and His glory only. Instead, they seek their own glory and the applause of the world. Or, it may be because many are not obedient as they know they could be. There could be a subconscious guilt, and because of this guilt, they are inspired by the adversary, “for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Ne. 2:27.) If they cannot be happy, they feel no one else has a right to be happy. This is what some call “spiritual jealousy.” Instead of reordering their lives, spiritually speaking, the false accusers inflict the righteous with their jealous envy.
Why will true disciples of Christ be persecuted, even by their own brethren? Perhaps the answer for this persecution comes from the Lord when He taught, “For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light....” (D&C 88:40.)
For those who, in fact, understand Lehi’s dream (1 Ne. 8), they understand the meaning of the great and spacious building. (1 Ne. 8:26, 11:35,-36, 12:18.) This great building represented the world and its wisdom, vain imaginations, and the pride of the world. Nephi’s account tells us that many of those who partook of the desirable fruit of the tree became ashamed because of others who mocked them, and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.
This is a warning prophecy for us today, and that is one reason it was included in the Book of Mormon. The forbidden paths lead to the great and spacious building. Many of those who partake of the fruit of the tree, and become ashamed, are members of the Church. They gather in the great and spacious building and join others in mocking and pointing fingers at others who partake of the fruit of the tree. Nephi records: “And the multitude of the earth was gathered together; and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Behold the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (1 Ne. 11:35.)
Nephi said it is Israel who does the mocking, and we know that we are modern Israel. The twelve apostles of the Lamb, as mentioned here, are the real Apostles who have given their lives for the gospel’s sake; those who personally beheld the resurrected Christ. Many of modern Israel, those who have partaken of the fruit, have become persecutors of others who desire to partake of the fruit themselves. Although it is tough to say, the great and spacious building represents the latter-day restored Church and its prideful members.
When one truly and wholeheartedly seeks repentance, desiring to follow the Lord, having turned his heart over to Christ at all cost, he will be oppressed and “persecuted for [His] name’s sake.” For suffering that which shall be inflicted upon the true disciple of Christ—to the very end—he shall be rewarded with the “kingdom of heaven,” or in other words, a Kingdom in Heaven.
Blessed Are Ye, When Men Shall Revile You, and Persecute You, and Shall Say All Manner of Evil Against You Falsely, for My Sake. (Matt. 5:11; Luke 6:22; 3 Ne. 12:11.)
As mentioned above, when one becomes a true follower of Christ, willing to endure all things unto the end, others will berate, oppress, and speak all manner of lies against him. Many will be betrayed by family, friends, and brethren; being cast out of the synagogue or church, cast into prison, and even put to death for the testimony of Jesus. (Matt. 5:10-11; Luke 21: 12-17.) This will happen both in and out of the Church of God because false accusers are blind to truth, knowing only how to follow the word of man instead of the Spirit of God.
While teaching His disciples about the signs to precede His Second Coming, Jesus mentioned what would befall His followers during that time: “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.... And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.” (Luke 21:12-17.)
Rejoice, and Be Exceeding Glad: for Great Is Your Reward in Heaven: for So Persecuted They the Prophets Which Were Before You. (Matt. 5:12; Luke 6:23; 3 Ne. 12:12.)
Those who are thus persecuted and damaged by others shall have “their rewards in heaven,” along with the former Prophets who were also persecuted and martyred. After Peter and John were arrested and delivered by an angel from prison, they testified of the privilege to have been persecuted: “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (Acts 5:41.) It is difficult for many to “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad” for the persecutions that are unjustly heaped upon them, especially from those they consider friends. Yet, we are commanded to “have great joy and be exceedingly glad.”
The persecution that the righteous are to endure is compared to the persecution that the prophets have suffered. John wrote, “... for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10.) What, then, constitutes a prophet? Joseph Smith gave us that answer when he said, “No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy.” (TPJS, p. 160.) And again he said, “If any person should ask me if I were a prophet, I should not deny it, as that would give me the lie; for, according to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; therefore, if I profess to be a witness or teacher, and have not the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I must be a false witness; but if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet; and any man who says he is a teacher or a preacher of righteousness, and denies the spirit of prophecy, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; and by this key false teachers and impostors may be detected.” (TPJS, p. 269.)
What did Joseph Smith say constituted a prophet? Simply that one must have a testimony of, and be a teacher and witness of Jesus Christ; as Joseph Smith said, “... the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy ... if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet.” Thus, a prophet can be someone who has a testimony of Jesus, although he may not hold a position of importance in the Church of God. Yet, when someone has a witness and boldly proclaims it over the pulpit, or in public, he is often criticized by those who would be his friends, even from some who profess faith in Jesus.
While recounting the history of Israel and the many abuses that the holy prophets encountered, Stephen, just before being stoned, gave a rebuke: “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.” (Acts 7:51-52.)
On page 198 of his book, Isaiah Decoded: Ascending the Ladder to Heaven, Avraham Gileadi addressed this subject, and wrote: “In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns that we must expect persecutions as we develop spiritually, though one might suppose the opposite would be the case. ... Jesus addresses those who are singled out for mistreatment for being different for God’s sake: ‘blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and speak all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.’ Jesus puts such persons on the level of prophets: ‘for in like manner persecuted they the prophets who were before you.’”(Matthew 5:3-12.)
Great calamities await those who persecute the prophets—those who have a testimony of Jesus and witness for His name. Samuel the Lamanite prophesied the destruction of those who persecute the righteous. He said, “... But behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction ...” (Hel. 13:14.) Amulek warned the unrighteous persecutors in these words: “... if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent.” (Alma 10:23; see also 3 Ne. 9:10-11.)
Here is what Nephi had to say: “But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.” (2 Ne. 9:18.)
The Pattern
The Beatitudes are not just a random sampling of promises or blessings. They present to us a pattern of conversion and discipleship, which can help the true follower of Christ understand what is expected and required of him because of his devotion.
This pattern is simply outlined as follows, and is taken from the verses found in Chapter 5 of the Matthew account: (1) v3—Poor: They feel as common as beggars, even as the dust of the earth, being distressed with the recognition of all of their sins, realizing that they have nothing without Jesus; (2) v4—Mourn: This distress brings sadness, and they grieve with remorse for their sins and the sins of the world that caused Jesus to suffer; (3) v5—Meek: True remorse helps develop mild and humbled hearts, allowing the Spirit to touch them; (4) v6—Hunger and thirst after righteousness: Now humble and teachable, they become famished for that which is just and right, craving to be taught truth and receive light; (5) v7—Merciful: Having received new light and knowledge, their new understanding helps develop compassion, learning to forgive and extend Christlike charity and love; (6 )v8—Pure: Because of the charity and compassionate grace shown toward others, they become clean and sanctified through the atonement and pure love of Christ—they receive grace for grace; (7) v9—Peacemakers: Sanctification brings peace to the soul and a desire to share their new faith with others, helping to establish peace among the children of God through faith in Christ; (8) vs10-11—Persecuted and Reviled: These righteous will most likely be persecuted, cast out, and perhaps martyred for His name’s sake; and (9) v12—Rejoice: The persecuted rejoice for they shall be found faithful as the Prophets, and receive their great reward in Heaven.
Not only does there seem to be a pattern in the presentation of the Beatitudes, but in Christian discipleship as well; for it appears inevitable that he who gives his life to Christ will be persecuted by those who are supposed to be his friends. From the scriptures, it appears that all true followers of Christ will be persecuted in one way or another; for Paul said, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Tim. 3:12.) I have heard it said, “You are not totally accepted until you have been totally rejected.” There may be some truth in these words.
Now the Lord doesn’t want us to go out looking for persecution, pretending to be a righteous martyr. Jesus came to bring peace, not contention, but if persecution should rear its ugly head, we embrace it with gladness for Jesus’ name, and rejoice. If persecution arises before us, that is of no consequence to the faithful follower of Christ. Scars received in battle will not count against His disciple, but only add to the glory of both Christ and His people—scars become stars in our crowns of glory.
The rendition of the Beatitudes, as found in the fifth chapter of Matthew, is the most popular of all the accounts, being the most often quoted by the Christian world. Luke’s recording of the account is sparse, to say the least, comprising only four verses in Chapter 6. The account found in 3 Nephi is held by many Latter-day Saints as the more accurate of the accounts of the Beatitudes, enlarging one’s understanding on a few points.
Another account of the Beatitudes, one that is rarely referred to, can be found in Matthew 5:5-14 of Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of the New Testament. The reason it is not often considered is that it is identical to the account found in 3 Nephi. Consequently, we will not be referring to it in this chapter.
Upon a bit of investigation, it appears that all of the Beatitudes relate to one another in a progressive manner designed to form and refine a more spiritual pattern of Christian discipleship. The pattern may be the following: conversion, maturation, sanctification, persecution, and redemption of a follower of Jesus Christ.
Let’s take the Beatitudes one at a time, observing how this pattern develops, and let’s see how we can relate them to our personal lives as disciples of Christ.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit: for Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20; 3 Ne. 12:3.)
In this first Beatitude both Matthew and Luke state much the same thing. Nephi, however, adds a qualifier. He says that “blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me....” Being poor is no magical status for one to possess, he must also come unto Christ. That also goes for the rich. Temporally and spiritually speaking, all must come unto Christ, the rich and the poor. Without a relationship with Jesus they are nothing and have nothing of value, either in this world or in the world to come.
The word poor, as used in this Beatitude, comes from the Greek word ptochos (pto-khos’), meaning to be a beggar, pauper, and distressed. One might say the “poor in spirit” feel to be as common as beggars, being distressed with the recognition of all their sin. These are those racked with the guilt of their own sins, who possess a broken heart and a contrite spirit. They genuinely realize how sinful they are, how low—even as the dust of the earth—they have become. They understand that they are both temporally and spiritually poor, have nothing, and are nothing without the atoning blood of Christ. Speaking of the Lord, Isaiah wrote, “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2.)
Those who truly believe that they have nothing and are nothing, and come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, will be given all, even the “kingdom of heaven.” The Apostle James encouraged the Christians of his day by saying, “... Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” (James 2:5.) And in a latter-day revelation, the Lord addressed not only the poor in spirit, but those who are not poor in spirit: “Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands! But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs.” (D&C 56:17-18.)
Blessed Are They That Mourn: for They Shall Be Comforted. (Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21; 3 Ne. 12:4.)
The Greek word for mourn is pentheo (pen-theh’-o), meaning to grieve. Those who mourn are those who grieve with sorrow and regret, realizing that their personal sins have been the cause of great suffering for Jesus. They also grieve for the sins of the world that make all men miserable, which sins have also caused the Savior to suffer.
Those who have been persecuted and unrighteously cast out of God’s Church mourn because of injustice among the leadership of God’s people, because of Idolatry that has taken hold of the Church at large, and because of the breaking of the Sabbath and other holy laws. They mourn because of the unrighteous changes that have been made in ordinances, and in the garment of the Holy Priesthood; indeed, they sorrow for the cause of Zion.
Speaking of the righteous and repentant souls under his care, King Benjamin said, “And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.” (Mosiah 4:2.)
The great Prophet, Mormon, was rather elated that his people mourned because of their sufferings. He soon discovered, though, that their mourning was not from a realization of their sins, but because the Lord did not rescue them while they were still in their sins. Mormon wrote, “And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me,... But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrow was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin.” (Morm. 2:12-13.)
Because of their repentant attitude and humility, those that mourn, or grieve, shall be “comforted” with the good news of the resurrection, merciful forgiveness, and the redemptive loving grace of Christ.
Blessed Are the Meek: for They Shall Inherit the Earth. (Matt. 5:5; 3 Ne. 12:5.)
The “meek” are the mild, humble, submissive, obedient and teachable ones. The original word for meek means mild or humble. These are those who truly seek forgiveness and are not ashamed to beg for Divine direction. They humble themselves and trust in God instead of man, and are led by the pure light that comes only from Christ.
From the pen of the Psalmist we read: “The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.” (Psalms 147:6.) “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” (Ps. 37:11.) “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.” (Ps. 22:26.) “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” (Ps. 25:9.) And from Alma we discover that the meek “shall find rest to their souls.” (Alma 37:34.)
There is a reward for those that are meek. Because they ask, seek, and knock in meekness, they shall find the way. The mighty ones of the earth, those who do not humble themselves before God, shall be cast down, and the earth shall become the possession of the meek. The meek shall be blessed with the abundance of the earth, for the Lord said, “And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it.” (D&C 88:17.)
We are to follow in the footsteps of the Master, for we are to be meek as He was meek. In these words He taught: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matt. 11:29.)
Blessed Are They Which Do Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness: for They Shall Be Filled. (Matt. 5:6; Luke 6:21; 3 Ne. 12:6.)
Hunger, in its original word, means famished or to crave. Those that “hunger and thirst after righteousness” are those that crave to be fed by the Spirit, looking for that direction in life that leads back to Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus. They desire only to taste the heavenly bread that feeds the spirit and satisfies the starving soul, and to drink from the waters of life that can only quench a spiritual thirst. They are those that shall be filled with the Spirit of God.
Righteousness in this scripture means equity, justification, right, and holy. In a true sense then, those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness” crave that which is just, right and holy. In a world gone amuck, many hunger for justice and crave that which is right and equitable. The only way to fill that hunger, or quench that thirst, is for one to turn his life over to Christ, and let Him be the chef who prepares a table of unparalleled delicacies. Nephi and Isaiah invite us to partake of the waters of life and become fat in the Lord: “Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.” (2 Ne. 9:50-51; Isa. 55:1-2.)
After His resurrection, Jesus visited the Nephites on the American continent and taught them about the sacrament. In doing so, He said, “He that eateth this bread eateth of my body to his soul; and he that drinketh of this wine drinketh of my blood to his soul; and his soul shall never hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled.” (3 Ne. 20:8.)
Many will go to almost any length to feed their bodies with physical bread and quench their thirsts with water. True followers of Christ, who hunger and thirst after righteousness, will give all they have for the bread of life and living waters. It is their eternal and unending quest. They that lose their lives in this quest shall find it in Jesus Christ. (Matt. 10:39.) The Apostle John records that Jesus said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35.)
Blessed Are the Merciful: for They Shall Obtain Mercy. (Matt. 5:7; 3 Ne. 12:7.)
The word “merciful” comes from the word eleemon, meaning to be compassionate. The “merciful” are those who show forth pure charity, compassion and forgiveness to their brothers, just as compassion and forgiveness were extended to them through the grace of Christ. We are taught that “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” (Ps. 103:8.) As disciples of Christ, we are to follow His example as Luke records: “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36.)
Those who are merciful and show compassion shall, in like manner, obtain “mercy,” even grace from Christ for the grace they extend to others—even grace for grace.
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart: for They Shall See God. (Matt. 5:8; 3 Ne. 12:8.)
Through the atonement and the pure love of Christ, the merciful become clean, sanctified, and unspotted from sin. The merciful are those whose hearts have been cleansed through the blood of their redeemer, Jesus the Christ, who purges out the old and refines the new through the fires of refining adversity. Only those who have clean hands and are purified shall see God. It is written: “Who shall ascend unto the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” (Ps. 24:3-4.)
In these latter days the Lord encourages us when He says that the “pure in heart” shall “build up the waste places of Zion” (D&C 101:18), “shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs” (D&C 56:18), and that they “shall see God.” (D&C 97:16.)
Blessed Are the Peacemakers: for They Shall Be Called the Children of God. (Matt. 5:9; 3 Ne. 12:9.)
The “peacemakers” are the peaceable ones of the earth. Those that preach the words of redeeming love, help bring peace to the souls of those that are “poor in spirit.” They publish peace to the world and the message of sanctifying grace. From Nephi we read, “... whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.” (1 Ne. 13:37.) “And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!” (Mosiah 15:15-17.)
At the birth of Jesus, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14), and Jesus gave us security when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27.) Matthew recorded the words of the Master: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matt. 11:28-30.)
Peace comes through the assurance of eternal life because of the atonement and grace of Christ. Total peace and assurance come only to the clean and sanctified, those that are “born of God.” When they receive that assurance, they truly become the “children of God.”
Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake: for Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matt. 5:10; 3 Ne. 12:10.)
History tells us that those who totally consecrate and fully turn their lives over to Christ, who strive with all they have to follow Him at all cost, will be greatly plagued, abused, and persecutions—even by members of their own faith who claim to profess Christ.
Why is this so? It may be because very few have their eyes single to the glory of God, and His glory only. Instead, they seek their own glory and the applause of the world. Or, it may be because many are not obedient as they know they could be. There could be a subconscious guilt, and because of this guilt, they are inspired by the adversary, “for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Ne. 2:27.) If they cannot be happy, they feel no one else has a right to be happy. This is what some call “spiritual jealousy.” Instead of reordering their lives, spiritually speaking, the false accusers inflict the righteous with their jealous envy.
Why will true disciples of Christ be persecuted, even by their own brethren? Perhaps the answer for this persecution comes from the Lord when He taught, “For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light....” (D&C 88:40.)
For those who, in fact, understand Lehi’s dream (1 Ne. 8), they understand the meaning of the great and spacious building. (1 Ne. 8:26, 11:35,-36, 12:18.) This great building represented the world and its wisdom, vain imaginations, and the pride of the world. Nephi’s account tells us that many of those who partook of the desirable fruit of the tree became ashamed because of others who mocked them, and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.
This is a warning prophecy for us today, and that is one reason it was included in the Book of Mormon. The forbidden paths lead to the great and spacious building. Many of those who partake of the fruit of the tree, and become ashamed, are members of the Church. They gather in the great and spacious building and join others in mocking and pointing fingers at others who partake of the fruit of the tree. Nephi records: “And the multitude of the earth was gathered together; and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Behold the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (1 Ne. 11:35.)
Nephi said it is Israel who does the mocking, and we know that we are modern Israel. The twelve apostles of the Lamb, as mentioned here, are the real Apostles who have given their lives for the gospel’s sake; those who personally beheld the resurrected Christ. Many of modern Israel, those who have partaken of the fruit, have become persecutors of others who desire to partake of the fruit themselves. Although it is tough to say, the great and spacious building represents the latter-day restored Church and its prideful members.
When one truly and wholeheartedly seeks repentance, desiring to follow the Lord, having turned his heart over to Christ at all cost, he will be oppressed and “persecuted for [His] name’s sake.” For suffering that which shall be inflicted upon the true disciple of Christ—to the very end—he shall be rewarded with the “kingdom of heaven,” or in other words, a Kingdom in Heaven.
Blessed Are Ye, When Men Shall Revile You, and Persecute You, and Shall Say All Manner of Evil Against You Falsely, for My Sake. (Matt. 5:11; Luke 6:22; 3 Ne. 12:11.)
As mentioned above, when one becomes a true follower of Christ, willing to endure all things unto the end, others will berate, oppress, and speak all manner of lies against him. Many will be betrayed by family, friends, and brethren; being cast out of the synagogue or church, cast into prison, and even put to death for the testimony of Jesus. (Matt. 5:10-11; Luke 21: 12-17.) This will happen both in and out of the Church of God because false accusers are blind to truth, knowing only how to follow the word of man instead of the Spirit of God.
While teaching His disciples about the signs to precede His Second Coming, Jesus mentioned what would befall His followers during that time: “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.... And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.” (Luke 21:12-17.)
Rejoice, and Be Exceeding Glad: for Great Is Your Reward in Heaven: for So Persecuted They the Prophets Which Were Before You. (Matt. 5:12; Luke 6:23; 3 Ne. 12:12.)
Those who are thus persecuted and damaged by others shall have “their rewards in heaven,” along with the former Prophets who were also persecuted and martyred. After Peter and John were arrested and delivered by an angel from prison, they testified of the privilege to have been persecuted: “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (Acts 5:41.) It is difficult for many to “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad” for the persecutions that are unjustly heaped upon them, especially from those they consider friends. Yet, we are commanded to “have great joy and be exceedingly glad.”
The persecution that the righteous are to endure is compared to the persecution that the prophets have suffered. John wrote, “... for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10.) What, then, constitutes a prophet? Joseph Smith gave us that answer when he said, “No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy.” (TPJS, p. 160.) And again he said, “If any person should ask me if I were a prophet, I should not deny it, as that would give me the lie; for, according to John, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; therefore, if I profess to be a witness or teacher, and have not the spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus, I must be a false witness; but if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet; and any man who says he is a teacher or a preacher of righteousness, and denies the spirit of prophecy, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; and by this key false teachers and impostors may be detected.” (TPJS, p. 269.)
What did Joseph Smith say constituted a prophet? Simply that one must have a testimony of, and be a teacher and witness of Jesus Christ; as Joseph Smith said, “... the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy ... if I be a true teacher and witness, I must possess the spirit of prophecy, and that constitutes a prophet.” Thus, a prophet can be someone who has a testimony of Jesus, although he may not hold a position of importance in the Church of God. Yet, when someone has a witness and boldly proclaims it over the pulpit, or in public, he is often criticized by those who would be his friends, even from some who profess faith in Jesus.
While recounting the history of Israel and the many abuses that the holy prophets encountered, Stephen, just before being stoned, gave a rebuke: “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.” (Acts 7:51-52.)
On page 198 of his book, Isaiah Decoded: Ascending the Ladder to Heaven, Avraham Gileadi addressed this subject, and wrote: “In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns that we must expect persecutions as we develop spiritually, though one might suppose the opposite would be the case. ... Jesus addresses those who are singled out for mistreatment for being different for God’s sake: ‘blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and speak all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.’ Jesus puts such persons on the level of prophets: ‘for in like manner persecuted they the prophets who were before you.’”(Matthew 5:3-12.)
Great calamities await those who persecute the prophets—those who have a testimony of Jesus and witness for His name. Samuel the Lamanite prophesied the destruction of those who persecute the righteous. He said, “... But behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction ...” (Hel. 13:14.) Amulek warned the unrighteous persecutors in these words: “... if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent.” (Alma 10:23; see also 3 Ne. 9:10-11.)
Here is what Nephi had to say: “But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.” (2 Ne. 9:18.)
The Pattern
The Beatitudes are not just a random sampling of promises or blessings. They present to us a pattern of conversion and discipleship, which can help the true follower of Christ understand what is expected and required of him because of his devotion.
This pattern is simply outlined as follows, and is taken from the verses found in Chapter 5 of the Matthew account: (1) v3—Poor: They feel as common as beggars, even as the dust of the earth, being distressed with the recognition of all of their sins, realizing that they have nothing without Jesus; (2) v4—Mourn: This distress brings sadness, and they grieve with remorse for their sins and the sins of the world that caused Jesus to suffer; (3) v5—Meek: True remorse helps develop mild and humbled hearts, allowing the Spirit to touch them; (4) v6—Hunger and thirst after righteousness: Now humble and teachable, they become famished for that which is just and right, craving to be taught truth and receive light; (5) v7—Merciful: Having received new light and knowledge, their new understanding helps develop compassion, learning to forgive and extend Christlike charity and love; (6 )v8—Pure: Because of the charity and compassionate grace shown toward others, they become clean and sanctified through the atonement and pure love of Christ—they receive grace for grace; (7) v9—Peacemakers: Sanctification brings peace to the soul and a desire to share their new faith with others, helping to establish peace among the children of God through faith in Christ; (8) vs10-11—Persecuted and Reviled: These righteous will most likely be persecuted, cast out, and perhaps martyred for His name’s sake; and (9) v12—Rejoice: The persecuted rejoice for they shall be found faithful as the Prophets, and receive their great reward in Heaven.
Not only does there seem to be a pattern in the presentation of the Beatitudes, but in Christian discipleship as well; for it appears inevitable that he who gives his life to Christ will be persecuted by those who are supposed to be his friends. From the scriptures, it appears that all true followers of Christ will be persecuted in one way or another; for Paul said, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Tim. 3:12.) I have heard it said, “You are not totally accepted until you have been totally rejected.” There may be some truth in these words.
Now the Lord doesn’t want us to go out looking for persecution, pretending to be a righteous martyr. Jesus came to bring peace, not contention, but if persecution should rear its ugly head, we embrace it with gladness for Jesus’ name, and rejoice. If persecution arises before us, that is of no consequence to the faithful follower of Christ. Scars received in battle will not count against His disciple, but only add to the glory of both Christ and His people—scars become stars in our crowns of glory.
There seems to be a pattern, and it might be good for all of us to examine how we interact with those that appear strong in the Lord, allowing them freedom of expression and the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of their own consciences. The cost of discipleship requires not only one hundred percent commitment, and the opportunity and privilege to be persecuted for the name of Jesus Christ, but it also requires us to be tolerant of the religious beliefs and habits of others, lest we become as the Pharisees.
