Great Words to Live By
Posted on Jan 27, 2026 by Shari Van Baale
The Gospel reading this Sunday is known as the Beatitudes. It contains the words of Jesus when he was speaking to the disciples at the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus gives a list of those who are blessed in the eyes of God.
This could be seen as inspirational. The disciples had not done much public ministry before hearing the Beatitudes. They had made the huge decision to drop everything and leave their homes, families, friends, and occupations, but they haven’t done much outreach. So these words provide the perfect advice for them on what might happen to them and how they will be rewarded for their behavior. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:12)
According to Wikipedia, “Each Beatitude consists of two phrases: the condition and the result. In almost all cases the phrases used are familiar from an Old Testament context, but in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus elevates them to new levels and teachings. Together, the Beatitudes present a new set of ideals that focus on love and humility rather than force and exaction. They echo the highest ideals of Jesus' teachings on spirituality and compassion.”
They instruct those who are persecuted, gentle, peaceful, etc. that though they might not see it now, they will be rewarded in heaven for their actions.
According to zondervanacademic.com, “The Beatitudes are a radically bold statement of Jesus’ intent to establish the kingdom of heaven on earth, which will bring true peace and freedom for all who dare to follow him as his disciples. It is through those disciples that his kingdom will bring blessing to all of the peoples of the earth.”
The Beatitudes are great words to live by. They were given by Jesus at the beginning of his public ministry, and a great introduction on how to live, witness, and behave.
Shari Van Baale
Salem Communications Coordinator