In Matthew 23 there is an opposite to these blessings, and it is called the "Eight Woes". To understand one, you must understand the other. These are the Eight Blessing's from Christ to you.

 Matthew 5:1 "And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him:"

 Christ was now getting away for the multitude's that followed Him in Matthew 4. The ones that He was teaching were His disciples.

Matthew 5:2 "And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying,"

 "Opened His mouth", is an idiom saying that He spoke in the teaching manner. Christ is now filled with the Holy Spirit of God, and Jesus is now ready to reveal to His Apostles a commentary showing that His teaching is connected with the proclamation of His kingdom. Parts of this address are repeated in His ministry, and as well as the ministry of the Apostles. 
 
 This address by Jesus became part of the "Gospel of the Kingdom", and is given in part in Luke 6, and 7, though many critics claim that there is "discrepancy" between the two, there is not. The later repetitions in Luke were given in "a plain", and after the calling of the twelve Apostles.
 
 In Matthew 5, Jesus had called only four Apostles, and the sermon is given on the "Mountain". Modern critics are assuming that the two accounts are identical, and given at the same time, when they are not.
 
Matthew 5:3 ""Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

 "Poor in spirit" is in reference to the spirits of this world. Their spirit is denying self, and given over to the Holy Spirit of God. Their spirit is part of, and in the kingdom of heaven. Blessed is better translated "happy". From these beatitude's you will become very happy, if your are humble in spirit.

 Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted,"

 This "mourning" is not for the "poor-me babies" of the world, who cry over every negative thing that comes their way. This mourning is for the deceived of this age, that mourn when they see their own relatives deceived by ( heathen doctrines ) that will lead them astray. They are not mourning for themselves, but for the spiritual loss of those who are around them, and in ignorance are blinded by satan.

Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

 The "meek" are the "praus" in the Greek; the humble before the Lord. To be humble before the Lord, doesn't mean that you stand by and allow bullies to push you around, but you have reverence before the Lord. You know from where your strength comes. From the Words of God. The inheritance for this happiness, is an inheritance and reward which will be given you in the Millennium age. the end of the flesh age.

 Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

 "Hunger and thirst" is an Hebrew idiom, and it means that you have a "strong desire". You have a strong desire to love the Lord and learn from His Word. I know you do, or you would not be reading this book. It is your mind and soul that will be filled with God's Word, and in turn God's Spirit. That comes by studying His Word.

Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."

 The "merciful" are those that have compassion for others. They are not self-centered, but are concerned for the souls of the lost. If you give compassion to others, then you will receive mercy and compassion from our Lord. You set the pace of your own life, as well as the standards, and what is important to you. What you sow in this earth age, you will also reap, and not only in this life, but the next. When you learn to show compassion for others, then you will find pleasure and happiness in this life also.

Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

 Your "Heart" is the intellect our your soul, it is your "mind". your spirit and your soul are housed there. When you keep your mind pure, and free from guilt, then you will see God. A pure mind is obtained by flushing out the hateful things of this world, and seeing everything in a clean mind. This gives a new insight of the world and God, and brings you a real happiness.

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall called the children of God."

 The peacemaker's are the ones making peace, even when they are delivered up before the synagogues of Satan. In the final generation these children [sons and daughters] of God are called the Elect of God.

Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

 To be persecuted for righteousness sake, is to be persecuted because of your stand for the true Christ, and the Word of God. If you are persecuted because you are a trouble maker, there is no righteousness in that, and no happiness either. When you take that stand for Jesus and the Word, then your rewards will come through your blessings in the next age as well as in this life.

Matthew 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."

 These are the ones that are persecuted because they are Christians, and carry the "name sake" of Jesus Christ.\

Rodofiron <> Bible Studys