The “beatitudes” are the 9 “blessed-are” statements.
Who were these disciples?
Matt 5:1: Jesus went up to the mountain, sat down and his disciples came to him.
Matthew does not mention how many of Jesus’ followers were actual disciples in the full sense. So I think it’s the disciples in Matt 4:18-22, (4 fishermen at that time, not the circle of 12) that went up the mountain with Jesus.
Although the Gospels often identify the disciples of Jesus with the Twelve, this does not mean that they were his only disciples. Luke’s Gospel speaks of 70 (or 72) disciples (Luke 10:1–24), or even of a large crowd (Luke 6:17), he likely had as many as a few hundred disciples. (FSB).
Who is a disciple?
A student, pupil, or learner. A disciple of Jesus called the follower of the Way (Acts 24:14), believers in Christ, whether they have met Jesus or not. The term disciples functions as a synonym for other terms, such as “saints” (Acts 9:13), “Christians” (Acts 11:26), and “Nazarenes” (Acts 24:5). So disciples are followers who wholeheartedly follow their teacher (not mindlessly like in a cult). It’s a master-disciple relationship which was common in the land of Israel.
The AUDIENCE:
Some say it was only the disciples, Luke 6:20–23 says he lifted up his eyes on disciples, but Matthew 4:12-17, 23 - 5:1–12 says... the sermon is addressed to the crowd generally and speaks of the advent of God’s kingdom. This crowd was made up of people who were the poor, hurting, impoverished, the sick (4:24) the oppressed by spiritual evil, the day laborer who are under the rule of Roman occupiers who took their land, exploiting the Jewish farmers, etc. People who are perceived as trash and at the bottom of society. They were the ones that were first invited to the kingdom of God.
The blessed-are statements (Beatitudes)
Let’s talk about the word blessed that is used at the beginning of each of the beatitudes.
The Greek word Makarios (Mah KAH ree aws) - is translated from the Hebrew word ashrey and means “the good life” to denote that feeling of contentment, or satisfaction with life.
The Hebrew word Ashrey (Ash-rey) is a description of a state of happiness or privilege or fortune that's on someone being observed by another. It’s giving your opinion about who's in a blessed state or living “the good life.”
The Hebrew word barukh (baruch) means ‘bless(ed)’ or ‘praise’ and comes from the verbal root barak, “to kneel,” to indicate “kneeling in worship” to bless God (1 Kgs. 8:54; Ezra 9:5). To be blessed refers to the concrete (solid, real, tangible) manifestations of abundance, safety and security that comes as a gift from God.
Our English translators used the word blessed to describe ashrey and makarios. But let’s put our minds back to the culture up to the time of Jesus where people who had confiscated other peoples’ land, wicked Roman soldiers who used their power of might, the crooked tax collectors, and the Pharisees who placed heavy burdens on their people all thought they were ashrey or makarios; living the good life, because of their status. And Jesus did a total reversal or flip of their value systems of who the blessed or fortunate ones are. He essentially redefined or shattered their perceptions of what the good life is.
Dr. Tim Mackey says “it is not the word Barukh (blessed) that is used here at the beginning of each statement. What's unfortunate about the word “blessed” in the Sermon on the Mount is it makes it sound to the reader like Jesus is looking at the condition his audience is in and saying they are blessed (barukh) to be poor in spirit, blessed to be mourning, etc. What Jesus is saying is though they were poor and hungry and oppressed and powerless, they are fortunate and privileged to be the first ones to be chosen to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven where they will be satisfied and filled, and comforted with God’s favor of abundance and security, etc.
As Tim Mackey says: He states their condition - sick, powerless, mourning, meek - in the first part of the statement, then he states how they will be blessed (barukh) in the second part of the statement by receiving the good things that come from God: the kingdom of Heaven, comfort, inherit the land, etc.
KINGDOM OF HEAVEN and the Kingdom of God is used interchangeably in the New Testament: Faithlife Study Bible.
The Kingdom of God/Heaven
- where Yahweh rules and reign
- where Yahweh’s will is carried out
- Is an everlasting realm that endures throughout all generations (Psa 145:13).
- Has a dual dimension
- It’s a present reality, the new way of life God intended for us to live by and initiated by Jesus (Matt 4:17; 12:34 Lk 17:21) which we receive, inherit and enter now. It’s a heaven on earth reality (Matt 6:10).
- The Kingdom of Heaven is also to come (future) Matt 25:1, John 18:36; Ac 1:6-7. It is not yet fully manifested as we do not yet live in a world where God’s will is a complete reality. We still see unbelief, brokenness, and sin, telling us God’s will is not yet fully expressed.
