1 [The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon of all time. Everyone can hear the power of these words on the surface, but the real meaning has been hidden from most over the centuries. For that reason, a short explanation is provided in brackets for the first few verses. Bracketed text is commentary or clarification.]
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up on a mountain, and when he was seated, his disciples came to him.
2 Then he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [Blessed are those who know they are poor in spirit, who know they need more of the Holy Spirit, who know they are in great need and in spiritual poverty, Rev 3:17-19. But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your comfort, Luke 6:25. Jesus came to preach the gospel to the poor (in Spirit) because only those who know they are slaves to sin, can hear His gospel offer to destroy the sin in them and free them indeed. As Jesus said: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."]
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. [Blessed are those who mourn because they are slaves to sin, because they have no control over their emotions. Blessed are those who mourn because they have waited on and listened to the Holy Spirit, who shows them how they are slaves to sin, locked in selfishness, captive to lusts, and in bondage to their emotions, for they shall be comforted; for the same Holy Spirit of grace, both shows a man his sins and then removes them, purifying a peculiar people with a zeal for good works. And: Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Luke 6:21. But: Woe to you who laugh now! For you shall mourn and weep. Luke 6:25.]
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. [Blessed are those who have been changed by the Spirit of God to become humble, gentle, and in control of their emotions, for they shall inherit a new earth in the next life.]
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. [Blessed are those who want to be free from sin, who hunger for the praise of God instead of from men; and because of that hunger, they seek God with all their heart and soul to then receive the Holy Spirit's purifying of their hearts and souls, thereby becoming righteous. John warns us: Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous, 1 John 3:7. Jesus tells us how he practiced righteousness: By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, John 5:30; and whatever I speak is just as the Father has told me to speak. John 12:49-50; and the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He [the son] is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, John 5:19... Obedience leads to righteousness, Rom 6:16. When you are filled, then you judge, speak and act, only as you are prompted by God, just like Jesus practiced; then, and only then, you are righteous. This is to do the will of the Father; only he who does the will of the Father shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Mat 7:21. But woe to you who are full! For you shall hunger. Luke 6:25.]
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. [Those who forgive, will be forgiven. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Those who do not forgive others, who stay angry, who hold grudges, who resent others, will not be forgiven by God. The Lord desires mercy, not sacrifice. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Mat 6:12. Forgiveness is more than with the mouth.]
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. [Blessed are those whom the Holy Spirit cleanses to purity, for they will see the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus appear in their hearts, in ever increasing glory. When he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as He [Jesus] is pure. 1 John 3:2-3. Unless you have a pure heart, you will not see God; until your heart is purified, you will not see God, in this life or the next.]
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. [Blessed are those who seek and attain peace, which is the fruit of having attained righteousness, and which is quietness and confident trust (unquestionable assurance) forever. Then the peace of Christ will rule your heart; rule as king, rule your thoughts, your words, and rule your deeds.]
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [All who are determined to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution, 2 Timothy 3:12. Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin, 1 Peter 4:1-2. It is through many hardships and tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God, Acts 14:22.]
11 Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [Speaking to his true disciples, (then and now), Jesus said: If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. John 15:18-21; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. John 16:2. Just as the religious establishment persecuted Jesus then, just as the religious establishment persecuted the early Quakers, including hanging them in Boston, so will the religious establishment persecute the Spirit of Jesus wherever it fully appears in His followers.]
12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
