Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Isaiah 61:2; 66:10,13
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What does "Matthew 5:4" mean?
Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted," is the fourth of the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. To understand its meaning, we need to consider a few things:
"Blessed" (Makarios in Greek): This doesn't just mean "happy" in a superficial, fleeting sense. It refers to a deep, abiding joy and well-being that comes from being in a right relationship with God. It's a state of grace and favor.
"Those who mourn": This is not just about grieving a personal loss, though that can certainly be included. In a broader sense, it refers to those who:
Grieve over sin: They are deeply saddened by their own sin and the sin in the world. They recognize their brokenness and the brokenness of humanity.
Lament injustice and suffering: They are moved by the pain and suffering they see around them – oppression, poverty, sickness, loss, and all the ways the world falls short of God's design.
Mourn the absence of God's kingdom: They long for the fulfillment of God's will on earth as it is in heaven and grieve that it's not fully realized yet.
"They shall be comforted": This promise isn't just about a temporary alleviation of sadness. It speaks of a profound and lasting comfort that comes from:
God's presence: God draws near to those who are hurting and offers solace, strength, and hope.
Forgiveness and healing: God offers forgiveness for sin and heals the brokenness that causes pain.
The hope of future restoration: There's an assurance that God will ultimately right all wrongs, wipe away every tear, and bring about a new heaven and a new earth.
Connections to Isaiah 61:2; 66:10,13
Matthew's Beatitude echoes themes found in Isaiah:
Isaiah 61:2: Part of a prophecy about the Messiah, who will "comfort all who mourn." This verse speaks of bringing good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, and proclaiming freedom for the captives.
Isaiah 66:10,13: Speaks of Jerusalem (symbolic of God's people) being comforted and nurtured "as a mother comforts her child." This emphasizes the tender, compassionate care God provides.
In Essence:
The Beatitude is saying that those who are aware of their own brokenness, who grieve over the brokenness of the world, and who long for God's kingdom will find true and lasting comfort in God's presence, forgiveness, healing, and the hope of future restoration. This comfort is not merely the absence of sadness, but a deeper sense of peace, hope, and joy that transcends difficult circumstances. It's a comfort that empowers them to live with compassion and to work towards a more just and loving world.
Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Isaiah 61:2; 66:10,13
What does "Matthew 5:4" mean?
Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted," is the fourth of the Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. To understand its meaning, we need to consider a few things:
"Blessed" (Makarios in Greek): This doesn't just mean "happy" in a superficial, fleeting sense. It refers to a deep, abiding joy and well-being that comes from being in a right relationship with God. It's a state of grace and favor.
"Those who mourn": This is not just about grieving a personal loss, though that can certainly be included. In a broader sense, it refers to those who:
Grieve over sin: They are deeply saddened by their own sin and the sin in the world. They recognize their brokenness and the brokenness of humanity.
Lament injustice and suffering: They are moved by the pain and suffering they see around them – oppression, poverty, sickness, loss, and all the ways the world falls short of God's design.
Mourn the absence of God's kingdom: They long for the fulfillment of God's will on earth as it is in heaven and grieve that it's not fully realized yet.
"They shall be comforted": This promise isn't just about a temporary alleviation of sadness. It speaks of a profound and lasting comfort that comes from:
God's presence: God draws near to those who are hurting and offers solace, strength, and hope.
Forgiveness and healing: God offers forgiveness for sin and heals the brokenness that causes pain.
The hope of future restoration: There's an assurance that God will ultimately right all wrongs, wipe away every tear, and bring about a new heaven and a new earth.
Connections to Isaiah 61:2; 66:10,13
Matthew's Beatitude echoes themes found in Isaiah:
Isaiah 61:2: Part of a prophecy about the Messiah, who will "comfort all who mourn." This verse speaks of bringing good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, and proclaiming freedom for the captives.
Isaiah 66:10,13: Speaks of Jerusalem (symbolic of God's people) being comforted and nurtured "as a mother comforts her child." This emphasizes the tender, compassionate care God provides.
In Essence:
The Beatitude is saying that those who are aware of their own brokenness, who grieve over the brokenness of the world, and who long for God's kingdom will find true and lasting comfort in God's presence, forgiveness, healing, and the hope of future restoration. This comfort is not merely the absence of sadness, but a deeper sense of peace, hope, and joy that transcends difficult circumstances. It's a comfort that empowers them to live with compassion and to work towards a more just and loving world.