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The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5 - 7

Chapter 5

Blessed are those who grieve, for they will be comforted.

What does this mean?

Context and Interpretation

1. Context in the Sermon on the Mount:
   • The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) begins with the Beatitudes, a series of statements that describe the qualities and conditions of those who are blessed or favored by God. These teachings set the tone for the rest of the sermon, emphasizing the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.
2. Immediate Context:
   • Matthew 5:4 follows the first Beatitude, which speaks about the "poor in spirit." The Beatitudes build on one another, presenting a picture of the character and attitudes that are valued in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Explanation of the Passage

1. "Blessed are those who grieve":
   • The term "those who grieve" (often translated as "those who mourn" in other versions) refers to people who experience deep sorrow and lamentation. This grief can be understood in several ways:
     • Personal Loss: Mourning over personal losses, such as the death of loved ones or other significant hardships in life.
     • Spiritual Mourning: Mourning over one's own sins and the brokenness of the world. This kind of mourning is characterized by a deep awareness of and sorrow for the effects of sin and separation from God.
   • This mourning reflects a heart that is sensitive to the brokenness in oneself and the world, leading to genuine repentance and a longing for God's restoration and healing.
2. "For they will be comforted":
   • The promise of comfort is given to those who mourn. This comfort comes from God and is multifaceted:
     • Divine Consolation: God's presence and reassurance bring peace and solace to those who are grieving. Scriptures like Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit," echo this promise.
     • Eternal Hope: Ultimate comfort is found in the hope of resurrection and eternal life. Revelation 21:4 speaks of a future where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
     • Community Support: Comfort can also come through the support and encouragement of the faith community, as believers are called to "mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15).

Biblical Principles

1. Sensitivity to Suffering:
   • This Beatitude emphasizes the value of being sensitive to suffering, both personal and collective. It recognizes the importance of acknowledging and grieving over pain and sin.
2. Repentance and Brokenness:
   • Mourning over one's sin and the brokenness of the world is a step toward repentance. It leads to a deeper reliance on God's grace and a transformative relationship with Him.
3. Divine Comfort:
   • God is depicted as a source of true comfort. This Beatitude assures believers that their mourning will not go unnoticed and that God will provide comfort in their times of sorrow.

Application

• Embracing Grief: Believers are encouraged to embrace their grief and not shy away from mourning. This includes being honest about their pain and bringing it before God.
• Seeking God's Comfort: In times of mourning, believers can find solace in God's presence, His promises, and the hope of eternal life. Turning to Scripture, prayer, and the support of the faith community can be sources of comfort.
• Empathy and Support: This Beatitude also calls believers to be empathetic and supportive toward others who are grieving. Providing comfort and companionship to those in mourning is an expression of God's love.

Challenges and Encouragement

• Facing Grief: One challenge is the natural tendency to avoid or suppress grief. Embracing mourning requires vulnerability and a willingness to face pain.
• Trusting in God's Promise: Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promise of comfort, even when immediate circumstances do not change. This trust is rooted in faith in God's character and His ultimate plan for restoration.