Jesus & the Prophets – busking the Beatitudes … (11/04/18)
One of the more famous portions of Jesus’ many Gospel sermons is known as “the Beatitudes,” nine verses near the beginning of Matthew 5 that make up the introduction to his famed Sermon on the Mount. And yet despite their rampant popularity (among Christians & non-Christians alike), many remain unaware that the inspiration for all nine of these wonderful “Blessed be‘s” came primarily from Isaiah &/or the Psalms,1 and thus that Jesus’ utterance thereof provided not only an inspirational sharing of their profound wisdom, but served as a bold commentary on “the prophets” in general as well.
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1 Matthew 5:3‘s “Blessed are the poor in spirit” recalls Isaiah 57:15 & Isaiah 66:2 … Matthew 5:4‘s “Blessed are those who mourn” hints at Isaiah 61:2 & Isaiah 66:10 … Matthew 5:5‘s “Blessed are the meek” summons up Psalm 37:11 & Psalm 149:4 … Matthew 5:6‘s “Blessed are those who hunger for righteousness” alludes to Psalm 11:3-7 & Isaiah 51:1-8 … Matthew 5:7‘s “Blessed are the merciful” recollects Proverbs 3:3-4 & Proverbs 11:17 … Matthew 5:8‘s “Blessed are the pure in heart” reminds of Psalm 24:4 & Psalm 51:10 … Matthew 5:9‘s “Blessed are the peacemakers” speaks to Isaiah 26:12 & Psalm 122:8-9 … and Matthew 5:10-11‘s “Blessed are those who are persecuted” makes bold reference to Isaiah 66:2 & Psalm 119:85-87 – (refer as well to Luke 6:20-26)
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