Day 49 — The Life Jesus Calls Blessed

Day 49 · Growing in Holiness, Love, and Wisdom · Matthew 5:1-16 (NET2)

Jesus describes the people of his kingdom in ways that challenge our usual ideas of success. Dependence, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and faithfulness under opposition matter to him. His disciples are salt and light, pointing others toward their Father. These qualities are not a ladder for earning entrance into his kingdom. They describe the life his grace forms in those who follow him.

Request

Lord Jesus, shape my idea of a blessed life by your words. Amen.

Read

Matthew 5:1-16

¹ When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him. ² Then he began to teach them by saying:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
¹¹ Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people! ¹⁴ You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.

Scripture: NET Bible, Second Edition (NET2).

Reflect

1. Which qualities does Jesus commend that the world may overlook?
2. How could one of these qualities become visible in your relationships today?

Restate

Describe how good works can direct attention to the Father rather than yourself.

Respond

Let the passage guide your prayer. Use these prompts in your own words:

• Praise: Praise God for the goodness of his kingdom.
• Thanksgiving: Thank Jesus for welcoming the needy.
• Confession: Confess chasing recognition at the expense of faithfulness.
• Intercession: Pray for believers suffering because they follow Christ.
• Petition: Ask the Spirit to form mercy and peace in you.

Carry it into today: Practice one quiet act of mercy or peacemaking.