Brian Underwood
To be, or not to be, that is the iconic question posed by a Danish prince during a soliloquy on the nature of life and death. And yet, it was a true and righteous King’s sermon hundreds of years before that promised blessings of life when dead to sin and alive in him through a humble “be-attitude.”
Over 1,600 years before Shakespeare’s eponymous hamlet questioned what it is “to be” in life and death, the king of kings, Jesus Christ, proclaimed the attitude and blessing of righteousness in the active form of what it is to be a Christian.
It was early in his ministry when Jesus delivered what is known as The Sermon on the Mount, found in the Book of Matthew, Ch. 5-7. To his disciples, and to members of the crowd listening not far off, Jesus begins in chapter 5 by sharing what is commonly known as the Beatitudes, translated from the Latin word “beatitudo” as “a state of blessedness.”
In his sermon, Jesus introduces nine Christian characteristics and future blessings of seeking the Beatitudes. Christ teaches that by striving to live in accordance with the Beatitudes, and through the repentance of sin, he promises gracious gifts that come on the road to eternal life with him.
It is worth noting that it is only after Jesus has assured his disciples of the blessings in store for them that he calls on them. It is through the rest of the sermon that he calls on them to be good and do good.
Jesus said, blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (v.3). Here, Jesus means those who are poor in spirit know and admit the need for God’s help in everything, and that without him, we are nothing. Through this surrender, Jesus can then pour out his strength and power to enable us to fulfill his purposes.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted (v.4). When speaking of the mourning, Jesus was not just referring to loved ones lost, but he was also speaking to sinners who mourn their separation from God and long for forgiveness and healing.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth (v.5). Often interpreted as being unable to defend one’s self, meekness for Christians means relying on Jesus, and not themselves to live out the purpose God has in their lives.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (v.6). The pursuit of righteousness is the pursuit of those who wish to see the reflection of God’s character in how they and others live their lives.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (v.7). We can do nothing apart from God’s grace, and our desire to show mercy ought to flow from the bountiful and undeserved grace given to us.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God (v.8). Purity of heart, which is continuously at odds with man’s sinful nature, is the condition of a singular focus on Christ and renouncing earthly idols.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (v.9). In a world filled with discord, dissent, and disturbance, Jesus asks his disciples to promote and act in alignment with peace. In so doing, Christ honors the peacemakers as called children of his.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (v.10). Jesus knows that those who take up their cross and follow him will be persecuted. Because of their faith, others will say and do hurtful things. However, Jesus reminds them to rejoice in the promise of the kingdom of heaven, for it will be theirs.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake (v.11). Similar to verse 10, Jesus promises in this passage his blessing when his followers participate in suffering in Jesus’ name.
Jesus completes his teaching on the Beatitudes in verse 12 by exhorting his disciples to, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
To be or not to be, that is the question that leads to peace, love, and uncontainable joy in Christ.
Brian Underwood is retired executive director at Sierra Lutheran High School, adjunct faculty member SLHS and WNC.