Today’s Superverse is Matthew 5:5 – Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
The Beatitudes are short sayings which describe what is good and its results for those who possess it, including an explanation of any blessing that will ensue. Each Beatitude covers different topics within Christianity; some relate to suffering while others promote joy; poverty or hunger may also feature prominently among these sayings.
Some beatitudes address what people will do to those who follow Jesus, while other beatitudes address what will happen to those who do not. Warnings against hatred between brothers is mentioned as well as acting out of ostentation for recognition from other men; making false oaths should always be done truthfully, while remembering not defending your personal rights against other people; allow God fight your battles.
Jesus refers to those who mourn as blessed; those whose hearts have learned to find solace in God alone as they trust in His providence for their needs. These individuals understand that true happiness lies only through trusting in His mercy.
Matthew uses the word ancients (G746) here, which refers to “those who came before.” This could refer to either the generation of Jews that lived prior to Moses; or more generally to all those living prior to receiving the Law from its giver; it could even include Adam, Noah, and other patriarchs of Genesis as part of this definition.
Jesus taught His disciples that He had come to give them something better than the Old Law. Although the Law could help people achieve some level of holiness, it wasn’t enough. If people were going to follow Him and be discipled by His message, then they needed a better understanding of what the true nature of God was – otherwise following an incorrect path could cause their ship of Old Law to sink altogether.
