Friday 1 November 2024

Psalm 34:1-10, 22

Background
Yesterday we saw Jesus respond to the crowds surrounding him by using a boat as a pulpit (Mark 4:1). Today, in Matthew’s Gospel, the crowd is still present but the pulpit is now an elevated place, and while it is described as 'a mountain' (v. 1) it was more likely to be raised ground that was high enough above the crowd for Jesus to be seen and heard by them even though he was sitting down.

However, that it is called a mountain is potentially intended to link it with other mountains on which prophets stood to bring God’s word, such as Moses on Mount Sinai. This passage is called the Beatitudes (blessings) and the link to Jewish tradition is reflected in its poetic nature: the repeated use of “blessed are” is often seen in the Psalms.

It is not clear at the outset of this passage whether Jesus is talking solely to his new disciples or to the wider crowd. However when he concludes at the end of the following three chapters, the crowd was “astounded at his teaching” (Matthew 7:28) which suggests the whole sermon was meant for everyone.

The focus on, and blessings for those who would generally have been regarded as less worthy of special recognition, such as the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek, is consistent with other situations this week where it was the outsiders who were the ones now regarded as members of Jesus’ family (Mark 3:35), or who had the secrets of the Kingdom of God (Mark 4:11). This was in contrast to the established leaders, such as the scribes and Pharisees.

Jesus is turning the established norms upside down. It is no longer the religious leaders who understand what God is doing among them or who will benefit from it, for now it is those with the least who are blessed. It is the poor in spirit who will know the Kingdom of Heaven and the meek who will inherit the earth (vs 3-5).

To Ponder:

• Read each blessing one by one and think of people who fit each description. Pray for each person or group in turn.
• With conflicts and wars around the world, give thanks for the peacemakers and pray for all those who work for peace and justice.

Prayer
God of blessings, thank you for your constant love and care. Help us to live our lives so that we may be a blessing to all we encounter. Amen.

Bible notes author: Dr Richard Vautrey
Dr Richard Vautrey is a local preacher and church steward in Leeds, and a former Vice-President of the Methodist Conference. He works as a GP and is a former chair of the BMA's GP committee.