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Gospel of Matthew

Matthew - Chaps 5-8          Beatitudes - Sermon on the Mount

                

Beatitudes

 

poor in spirit theirs' is the kingdom
now mourn will be comforted
meek shall inherit
hunger and thirst for righteousness they will be filled
merciful receive mercy
pure in heart they will see God
peacemakers will be called children of God
persecuted for righteousness' sake theirs will be the kingdom of heaven
Is Jesus setting up requirements for entrance into the kingdom? He does not appear to be issuing commands.
Assurances to those who are poor and oppressed, weak and suffering, for when the kingdom comes they will be rewarded.
Apocalyptic Jews maintained that the world was controlled by hidden evil forces but that God was soon going to intervene in history to overthrow the these forces and bring his good kingdom to earth.
Jews believed they were living at the end of time; the new age was soon to appear.

Jesus is the new Moses, come to set his people free from their bondage and give them the new law, his teachings.

 

Source: Ehrman