• Luke 9:10-17
• John 8:1-14
• Matthew 14:13-21
• Mark 6:32-44

Background of the Miracle:

• “Feeding the 5000″ is the only miracle recorded by all four gospels.
• Disciples came from their mission, they were tired and hungry, did not have time to eat. They needed rest.
• Jesus just heard about the death of John the Baptist (Mat 14:13). (Ministry of John the Baptist)
• Jesus wanted him and his disciples to withdraw from the crowd so that they can have some rest.
• They headed to Bethesda, by boat to discourage crowd from following them. (Check, Jesus healed disable man at Pool of Bethesda)
• They were trying to get away from them.

Bethesda – Fisherman’s House:

• Bethesda – meaning “Fisherman’s house”, it was home of Philip, Andrew and Peter.
• Mini vacation on weekends!
• Crowd was all in need, physical, emotional, spiritual. They sought teaching and healing, they were already gathered at the place, before Jesus arrived.
• Mark 6:34 says that he had compassion on them because they were life sheep without shepherd.

How do we respond when they invade our privacy?

• So many times, when we are tired and weary, under stress, and people come to us in need, and we try to avoid them. They come with hope of getting something, to share or to have fellowship. Are we available to their needs.
• Jesus had compassion on them; he welcomed them not out of duty or obligation, but out of love and care.
• Think of an incident, when you are so tired and need rest, and your friend comes and you start thinking “oh, no, how do I get rid of him?” you don’t have to go too far to find such situation.
• Jesus as a caregiver, first to his disciples and then to the crowd.
• Jesus taught them about the kingdom of God, healed them (for hours). (The Beatitudes – Poor in Spirit – Kingdom of Heaven)
• Jesus must be teaching well, that crowd did not disperse in the evening; they were too engrossed into listening to Jesus.
• Think of church meeting, when preacher goes little above time, and people start looking at their watch, start dispersing.

“Give them something to eat”

• Crowd are not worried, disciples are. It’s like they come and tell Jesus, “its time to close, let them go.”
• Jesus reply is startling, “give them something to eat.” – What!
• Are you crazy, 5000 men, women, and children. We don’t have enough money to feed them. It is like a eight month’s wages, thousand of dollars, are we going to use all that for feeding them one meal?
• Think practically, let them go. Jesus’ ways does not seem practical at times.
• See, Judge 6-7: Gideon’s army of 300 men winning against 150,000 midianites.

“What do you have?”

• Jesus asks another question, “What do you have, go and see?”
• Boy with five loaves of bread and two fishes
• How can few pieces of loaves, fishes feed the 5000?
• Totally inadequate, impossible to feed, but this is all they had.
• Jesus prepared them for Miracle – All were hungry, he didn’t want chaos, disorder, shoving, pushing. He wanted to organize, order.
• Another example of miracles in orderly fashion, our God is organized.
• Disciples don’t understand, why is he doing that? However, confused they are, they followed what he said.
• So many times, he wants us to act in faith, though it may sound foolish or silly.
• Jesus did not do miracle first and then told them about organizing crowd.
• Prayer of thanksgiving – most important part of miracle
• Giving thanks to father, not credit on himself, but exalting God the father. Thanking and blessing God.
• He then broke them and distributed them.
• Five thousand people, it must have taken few hours to do that.
• All were fed and satisfied.

Jesus’ final assignment for his disciples:

• Jesus’ final assignment for his disciples, “go and gather broken pieces.” To make them realize that God’s provision is more than adequate. (He in fact, later on reminds them about it in Mark 8:19)
• Profound impact on disciples, all gospels have account of it.

Why this miracle?

• This miracle created a problem for Jesus’ ministry.
• In was Lesson of discipleship for his disciples. (Seven Conditions of Christian Discipleship)

“What do YOU have?”

• Off course, our resources are way inadequate to the need of this world. But we are to bring what we have to him. And put it into his hands.
• He will in turn, bless them and place them into your hands back, multiplied, more powerful than you can ever imagine.
• Too often, we are overwhelmed by the need, and give up, questioning adequacy of God.
• When we see the world, we are stunned by the need all around us and whole world, people are deserting God, so much of pain, and suffering, persecution, hurt, wars. And we realize that our resources are very limited. We can not help due to lack of resources.
• Jesus is looking for people who are ready to believe, trust him, who are willing to bring whatever little they have. (instead of complaining or stepping back)
• God’s provision is more than adequate. Are we ready to trust him, believe that though task is immense, Our God is more than sufficient.
• All we need to do is to bring our resources, gifts, talents, time, energy, and he is going to bless them and multiply them. (Discover your spiritual gifts)

Also Check out: Against All Odds: God’s Math Doesn’t Need to Add UpMore Bible Studies:

• Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson
• Bible Study Updates from BibleSEO
• Miracle of Jesus at Cana Wedding – John 2:1-11 | Bible Study
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12
• Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda | John 5:1-15

Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

• Mark 4: 35-41
• Matthew 8:23-27
• Luke 8:22-25

How do you feel if you are in one of these storms in the sea? How will you react to the situation? Where would you go for help? Let us look at what the disciples of Jesus reacted in such a life threatening storm.

Q. Mark 4:35 starts with ‘that’ day. Which day is he talking about?

• The day started with chapter 4, when Jesus started teaching the crowd. He taught them lots of stories and parables and performed many miracles.
• At the end of the day, Jesus and his disciples would be tired, needed rest. They went into boats for rest. This was often the case to find rest, so that crowd cannot follow Jesus. (Mat 14:13)

Sea of Galilee: is 680 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills.

Q. What did Jesus tell his disciples?

• “Let us go over the other side.”

• Surely, they did not expect the miracle, by their reaction after Jesus calming the storm. (Mark 4:41)
• They assumed that they are all going to die.
• Angry and frustrated to see Jesus sleeping – “Don’t you care, if we die?”! (Questioning God – Psalms 13)
• Is he insane? How can he sleep in such a situation?
• There seems to me, two storms raging – one in the sea of Galilee and the other in the hearts of disciples!

Q. What did Jesus do? What were disciples’ reaction?

• Jesus calms the Storm and the sea.
• He got up, rebuked the wind and the sea!
• “Quiet, be still.”
• Jesus demonstrated his power over the wind and the waves – over the Nature. (also check, Jesus feeding five thousand)
• I suppose, it was wind and wave’s time to be terrified!
• At once, there was a complete calm.
• Disciples might be wondering, was that a dream? What has just happened?
• They were shocked and terrified, even more than before!

Q. What can you learn about the nature of Jesus here?

• Mark 4:38 – He was tired – Man.
• Mark 4:39 – His power over nature – God
• He was God and Man both. (This is the greatest mystery of all!)

Q. Why did Jesus ask, “Where is your faith”?

• Because he told them, “Let us go to the other side.”!
• Fear is the absence of faith and trust.
• It was a powerful discipleship lesson. (7 conditions of Christian discipleship)

Q. What was disciples’ response?

• “Who is this”? – Not mere teacher for sure. (Mark 4:38)
• “Who can command the wind and the wave?”
• “Who can calm the storm and the sea?”

Bible Study Lessons:

• We may not go through the physical storm as the disciples did. But we all have been through many other storms in our own lives like sickness, loosing job, failures, personal weakness, death of loved one, accident, depression, hopelessness…, where we feel helpless.
• We may think or feel like God does not care. He is sleeping. He is not answering our prayers.
• But thank God that Jesus is in our boats! He is in control. (Captain of our boat)
• We need to completely trust him. (This is a lot harder to do that to say.)
• I have been through many storms in my personal walk (sailing) with Jesus, and I have seen his faithfulness and power at work in due time. I have learnt not to doubt, but to completely trust him.
• I have learnt not to be afraid but totally rely on his power and promise in the storms of my life. (I have not completely succeeded yet, I must say!)
• We may think that Jesus is a teacher, leader, speaker or great man… But it is when we realize his true identity, we can entrust him our whole life.
• You may have heard the famous Story of Tight rope Walker:

A tightrope walker amazed a crowd of onlookers by successfully walking across a rope which stretches across the mighty Niagara Falls. After his performance, the performer asked the crowd, “How many of you believe that I can carry a man on my back while walking the tightrope across the falls?” Many of the people in the crowd enthusiastically raised their hands. Then the performer asked another question: “Which of you is willing to actually let me carry you across the falls?” Of course, not a single person volunteers!

Are you willing to entrust your whole life to Jesus?

More Bible Studies:

• Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
• Jesus and Beelzebub – Mark 3:20-30 | Bible Study
• Jesus’ Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation
• Questioning God – Psalm 13
• Jesus Heals Paralytic Man | Mark 2:1-12

Jesus Calming the Storm – Bible Lesson is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

• Mark 10: 17-27
• Matthew 19:16-27
• Luke 18:18-27

Q. What can we know about the rich ruler from these passages?

• Young man
• Very rich (Luke 18:18)
• Ruler, respected in society
• Sincere, very well mannered
• Religious Jew from his childhood
• Seeker, enthusiastic, willing and eager to learn (Mark 10:17)
• He had a great question to ask. After all, what can be a better way than to start a conversation with the question about Eternal life!
• This was not the only time, Jesus was asked this question. In Luke 10:25-37, One of the teachers of the Law, asked similar question to Jesus. However his intention was to test and trap Jesus. (check out – Authority of Jesus questioned by Teachers of the Law)
• This rich ruler had no such hidden agenda, he was sincere in his request.

Q. What can we infer from his question about eternal life to Jesus?

• He presumed that there is an ‘eternal life’ and it is worth receiving or inheriting!
• Jews always believed that one can be justified and saved through their works according to the Law. So, he assumed that he can do something to inherit the eternal life.
• He was sincerely following all the commandments form childhood (according to him), but he still wanted to be assured of his destiny.
• There is a deep conviction in all of us, that there is an eternal life; and it is to be greatly desired. King Solomon has put it in Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 3:11:”He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Q. How did he address to Jesus?

• He called him, a “good” teacher/master. It was a common title used by the Jews to call their religious leaders or teachers, meaning – “most excellent”. The expression (’Good’) was used to show the reverence or respect to the teacher.

Q. What did Jesus answer?

• First, he dealt with his address, “why do you call me good?”. In Matthew, the question is little different from Mark and Luke, “Why do you ask me about what is good?”
• Jesus’ intention was not to deny his divinity. Jesus was not saying, “I am not God, so don’t call me good, which applies only to God!” (Many people, especially Muslim scholars, have falsely used this verse to disprove Jesus’ divinity.)
• Secondly, he did not intend to say that everything else is bad or evil, and one should not use word “good” except for God!
• His intention was to raise the standard with which God measures ‘goodness’. This was not the only time, he raised the bar. In his sermon on the mount, he told his audience, that according to God’s standard, even an anger could be as grievous as murder and lustful eyes are as sinful as adultery. God judges not only by the external actions, but the motives and intent of heart also. (Matthew 5:21,22,27,28) Our standard of goodness falls far shorter than absolute Good, God is and desires.
• The rich ruler was convinced that he had followed the Law from his childhood, but in a moment, Jesus showed him that he was guilty of Greed. (Exodus 20:17). He loved money more than following God, and in that sense, he was guilty of breaking the first of ten commandments. (Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.”)

Q. What was man’s response?

• He went away sad. He choose to hold on to his earthly treasures and security.
• Jesus loved him for his question and zeal. (Mk 10:21) But he did not call him back or lower his demands for discipleship. (check out Seven Conditions of Christian Discipleship)
• (I strongly believe that Jesus was testing his heart, and if he would have repented for his love for money and failures, Jesus would have accepted him.)
• He had a choice to accept his shortcomings, but he rather decided to went away, sad.

Life Applications:

• So often, when we read this passage, we ask ourselves, “does Jesus require such a strict call for all the Christians?” We often try to lessen the demands and cost of christian discipleship. But this was not the only time, Jesus asked his disciples for such radical call. in New Testament, we find numerous accounts of people leaving all behind, for following Jesus.
  • Luke 5:11 – Peter and Andrew left everything to follow Jesus
  • Luke 5:27-28 – Matthew (Levi), the tax collector left everything. (He must be rich!)
  • Luke 19:1-10 – Zacchaeus (Again, rich tax collector), gave bulk of his wealth to the poor and needy. (Even without Jesus asking!)  (Jesus and Zacchaeus – The Guest of Sinner)
  • Acts 2:44-45 – First Christians sold everything and gave it to the needy.
• Not only, first century Christians, but Christians throughout the history have gladly given up their family, home, country, careers, even their own lives in following Jesus.
• This is a Radical Call. Perhaps, the mandate for voluntary poverty is not for all, but the readiness to forsake anything and everything that can hinder ‘following Christ’ is for every Christian.
• What are the things, God is asking you to give up for him?

More Bible Studies:

• Definition of Theodicy: God and Suffering
• What does Bible say about Atheism?
• Shriveled Hands – Jesus Heals on Sabbath – Mark 3:1-6
• The Scribes Questions Jesus’ Authority – Mark 11: 27-33
• Christian Discipleship: Definition | Cost of Discipleship

Rich Young Ruler and Jesus | Mark 10:17-27 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Beatitudes: Meaning

The word ‘Beatitudes’ in not found in the english bible. It comes from the latin word ‘Beatus’, which means happy or blessed. It is usually referred to the eight state of blessedness, Jesus preached on the sermon on the mount, recorded in Matthew 5:3-12. Some what similar list is also mentioned in Luke 6:20-23. However, these two list of beatitudes differs a bit from each other.

Matthew 5:3-12:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Luke 6:20-23:

Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

Following are the list of 8 beatitudes, discussed in details.

Part 1: Blessed are Poor in Spirit

Part 2: Blessed are those who Mourn

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful

Part 6: Blessed are Pure in Heart

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Part 8: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness

More Bible Studies:

• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8
• Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness – Beatitudes Bible Study | 4 of 8
• Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study – Part 8 of 8
• Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series
• Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8

Beatitudes: Meaning and List is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Matthew 5: 10-12 - “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for their is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Meaning of Word ‘Persecuted’:

To be pursued, follow after, suffer, chase after, to run after with hostile intent, to hunt. Persecution and all the variations of this word are used in the bible approx. 76 times. The word has a strong meaning of being followed or chased after. It is like a continuous, ruthless chase to hunt down the prey!

Bible Verses about Approach to Persecution:

• 1 Peter 3:13-14 – “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.”
• 1 Peter 4:12-14,16,19 – “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you…However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name….So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
• Phil 3:10-11 – “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
• Romans 8:18 – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Beatitudes: Great Paradox:

• This last beatitude is the most striking and contradictory of all the beatitudes. For how can you rejoice or be blessed, when you are going through insult, persecution, suffering, even death for doing good or right? Yet, Jesus very clearly proclaims ‘blessedness’ for those who are being persecuted for the sake of righteousness. He also mentions similar message in Matthew 10:16-28.
• For the first century Christians, persecution was a norm rather than an exception.
• Peter and Paul, the first apostles to Jews and gentiles, also reiterate and often desire for sharing and participating in suffering with/for Christ. (check out bible references below)
• It should be noted that it is not in the suffering or pain, we rejoice, but it is in the hope of God’s glory to be revealed. (There are some who like to be sad, who somehow enjoys in their pain!)
• We, Christians however, rejoice in their suffering for the righteousness, due to the fact that we participate in suffering of Christ, that we bear his name, and that we will be overjoyed when Christ’ glory will be revealed in us. It is our privilege to suffer with Christ.
• It is not the suffering, but the Cause that makes a Martyr.
• People may say that this is absolutely absurd. yet, we all believe in a idea of pain and suffering for future joy. A good example of this is a ‘child-birth’. Mother goes through immense pain and struggle, with pain intensifies as the time comes nearer. For her, the present pain is not worth comparing with the joy she will experience in her child. Nobody finds it strange, in fact, women long and desire motherhood. Her focus is not on the suffering, but the joy that her child will bring.
• We find it difficult to grasp rejoicing in suffering because we have not seen the complete picture. Even among many Christians, there is a growing tendency to focus on earthly blessings. (It is not to say that one should not desire good in this life.) But Jesus (and first disciples) always focused on future hope and glory.
• There are parts of the world, where people are being persecuted for Christ. For them, following Christ means suffering, rejection and even death. They are blessed or privileged to share in suffering with Christ.
• We may not go through physical persecution or suffering, but we all feel being constantly chased after by the enemy of Christ. When we pursue righteousness, we may find being constantly running or fleeing from the spiritual forces, who are after us to knock us down.

The Promise: Blessed Hope:

However, this is not the end. Jesus offers those who are persecuted for his name, the inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven.  At present, we don’t see it, yet we believe in it and we rejoice in that hope and future. (Romans 8:24) Paul rightly say that our present sufferings are not even worth comparing with the glory that will be manifested when Christ will return.

This ends the eight part bible study series on the beatitudes. I hope that you would have enjoyed this series as much as I have and pray that it would bring new and fresh perspective in your personal walk with Christ. In the end, I would like to finish with this beautiful, timeless hymn from Fanny Crosby, which truly captures the joy, hope and assurance of Kingdom of God.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.

This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Check out,

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are those who are Persecuted because of righteousness
More Bible Studies:

• Blessed are Pure in Heart – Beatitudes – Part 6 of 8
• Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness – Beatitudes Bible Study | 4 of 8
• Blessed are Those who Mourn – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 2 of 8
• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8
• Beatitudes: Meaning and List

Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study – Part 8 of 8 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Matthew 5:3-12

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” – (Matthew 5:9)

This is the seventh beatitude mentioned in Matthew 5:3-12.  It would have shocked most jews in the crowd. Jews were looking for ‘Messiah’ who would overthrow the Roman empire and establish earthly kingdom. But Jesus supports peace and encourages the peacemakers. Once again, Kingdom of Heaven defies the norm of earthly kingdom, which is established by power, force and wars.

Group Exercise:

• Ask your Group: Who do you think are the famous peacemakers in history?
  • Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa… (Coincidentally, many of them are strongly influenced by life and teaching of Jesus!!), Jesus Christ himself.
• Find out people who have been awarded noble prize for peace & their contributions to the society.
• Think of Non profit organizations, which promotes peace and goodwill of others. Discover their roots.
  

  

Blessed are the Peacemakers:

• The very essence of peace is the Love one has received from God first. You cannot love others, unless you have experienced God’ love in first place. (Many may not agree with this statement.)
• Luke 6:27-28 – “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
• John 13: 35 – “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
• 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
• Think about first century Christians, even in the most atrocious persecution, they refused to react violently, but always promoted peace.
• Peace makers are not only those who have a broader influence, but also those whom we turn to in our daily lives. You may find certain people in your church, community, family, workplace. These are the people who resolves differences and conflicts to maintain peace.
• The reward for the Peacemakers is very unique. “They will be called sons of God.” People may critique their methods or ways, but they cannot deny their work or the fact that it can only come from God.

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Beatitudes: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are the PersecutedMore Bible Studies:

• Beatitudes: Meaning and List
• Blessed are Those who Mourn – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 2 of 8
• Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series
• Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8
• Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study – Part 8 of 8

Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Matthew 5: 3-12

“Blessed are pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8

This beatitude is one of the most striking of all beatitudes. For who can claim to be pure in heart? If we peek into our hearts, we all know that we are not pure, we have thoughts, attitudes, desires which are not pure. We may hide it from others, but we cannot hide it from ourselves. So, what can we learn from this beatitude? Let me start with some of the bible verses related to ‘pure in heart’ and ’seeing God’, and let the Word of God speak to you though it.

Pure in Heart:

• Psalms 24:4-5 – “He who has clean hands and pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive the blessing from the Lord.”
• 1 Timothy 1:5 – ” The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart, and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
• Psalms 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
• Psalms 119:9-10 – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart. Do not let me stray from your commands.”

Seeing God:

• Exodus 33:20 – “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
• 1 Timothy 6:16 – “Who is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see.”

Beatitudes: Pure in Heart:

• ‘Pure’ is an absolute term. You cannot say that this is ‘purer’. Being pure itself means that it is not defiled, polluted or mixed with impurities.
• The heart is regarded as being the seat of the intellect, the feelings and the will. Often heart implies the whole moral nature of fallen man. (Jer 17:9)
• So, how can we make it pure? It is beyond our reach to make it pure. It is God who initiates, sanctifies and perfects the heart of man who put his trust in him. It begins when we realize that we cannot do it on our own. We go through the process of sanctification throughout our life. And it will be perfected when we will be glorified in Christ Jesus.
• Sanctification is a difficult process. Water has to go through heat and fire to be purified. Gold has to go though fiery furnace to be perfected.
• 1st Peter 1:6-7 – “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith, of greater worth than gold which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proven genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
• So, how can we pursue purity? By living, active fellowship with God through daily personal time with God in his words and prayer, allowing God to purify us though His Holy Spirit in us – “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Beatitudes: Blessed are the Pure in heart

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are the PersecutedMore Bible Studies:

• Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness – Beatitudes Bible Study | 4 of 8
• Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8
• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8
• Blessed are Those who Mourn – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 2 of 8
• Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series

Blessed are Pure in Heart – Beatitudes – Part 6 of 8 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Matthew 5:3-12

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Meaning of being Merciful:

• Meaning: Compassionate, helpful, kind, giving towards the weak, sick and the poor
• This beatitude hardly seems as paradoxical as some of the other beatitudes. Today, most of us would agree that it is good to be merciful to others. However, when Jesus spoke these words, it was as shocking to the audience, as some other beatitudes.
• The Romans despised pity. Being merciful was rather exception. (It reminds me of a scene  in coliseum from the movie ‘Gladiator’, when the crowd cheered Maximus for sparing life of Tigris, bestowing him the title “Maximus the Merciful”.)
• The Pharisees were also very judgmental to others and showed little mercy. These could also be due to the common perception, that suffering was the result and deserving punishment of personal sin. Jesus accused and condemned the Pharisees for not showing mercy. (Matthew 23:23)
• Jesus’ ministry was marked with the compassion, love and care for the ‘unfortunate’ of this world. And the Christians are to have same attitude. Col 3:12: -”Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion.”
• Being Merciful is an action based emotion. You cannot truly be merciful or compassionate to someone, unless you really do something about it.
• It is not merely feeling bad about someone’s situation, it is an emotion which prompts one to act on it.
• It is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Kindness – Gal 5:22)
• Act of mercy first come from the realization that you yourself have been shown mercy by God.
• Luke 6:36: -”Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
• Being merciful does not always mean joining Red Cross or World Vision or some social justice organizations, but it is also to show compassion to those who are around us, with a kind word or a smile or a small “Act of Random Kindness”! (ARK)
• It is a daily practice or lifestyle weather at home or workplace or in the neighborhood.

Jesus summarized it in a wonderful manner in Matthew 25:35-40, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

The promise:

“They will receive (obtain) mercy as they show to others”.

Kindness and compassion are the integral part of Christian character combined with love and forgiveness. Yet, I often find myself struggling with it. Many times, I may be kind to someone out of obligation or duty, but in my heart, I find myself grumbling about it, often expecting return. But when I don’t get in return, same kindness, it harbors bitterness. It reminded me of parable of Jesus of servant who received mercy from his master, but did not show mercy to his fellow servant. (Matthew 18: 23-35)

Prayer:

“Lord, help me to remember the mercy and grace I have received from you, when I struggled to be merciful and kind to others.”

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 5: Beatitudes: Blessed are the Merciful

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are the PersecutedMore Bible Studies:

• Blessed are Pure in Heart – Beatitudes – Part 6 of 8
• Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8
• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8
• Blessed are Those who Mourn – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 2 of 8
• Beatitudes: Meaning and List

Blessed are the Merciful | Beatitudes Bible Study | 5 of 8 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

Matthew 5:3-12

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Q. Meaning of hunger and thirst?

• ‘Hunger and thirst’ are strong words, meaning an ardent, eager, famishing, all consuming craving, desire and passion of the soul for God and his righteousness.
• Psalms often portrays picture of man craving and desiring more of God.
• Psalm 84: 1-2: “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty, my soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord.”
• Psalm 143:6: “My Soul thirsts for you like a parched land.”

Q. Meaning of ‘Righteousness’?

• The word ‘righteousness’ comes from Greek word “dikaiosyne”, meaning rightness, quality of rightness or justice.
• it is justice held in love, both within the man and in the world.
• It is the rightness judged by the standard of God’s law.
• Being right with God

Q. What are the things, people hunger and thirst for?

• People hunger and thirst for
  • Power
  • Fame
  • Money
  • Beauty
  • Sexuality
• There are, however, those who long for God. These are the people who are not just interested or satisfied by worldly things or pleasures. They are the ‘Seekers’.  It is often human tendency to neglect the spiritual needs. But these are the people who yearn after God.

Q. What does it mean to ‘hunger and thirst for righteousness’?

• It is not seeking self-righteousness, but it is the righteousness that comes from God.
• It is to depend, not on our own will-power to achieve it but upon God.
• In Jesus’ time, if there were anybody who would qualify for such earnest passion and zeal for God, that would be the Pharisees and the Scribes (Teachers of the Law). But in the same chapter (Matthew 5:20) Jesus makes a startling statement. “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, You will certainly not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” How can one attain a righteousness, which even Pharisees failed to achieve? What kind of righteousness Jesus is talking about?
• Romans 3:21-22 answers the question. “But now righteousness of God apart from the Law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who will believe.”
• So then, righteousness of God is available through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe in Him. And those who will seek him, will find him and will be filled.
• Jesus himself claimed to be the one who will quench the thirst.  John 7:37: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.”

Practical Applications:

• Hunger and thirst are not one time need, they are our daily needs. Our body need constant nourishment from food and water to function properly. In the same way, our spirit needs daily food too. Many Christians suffer from ’spiritual malnourishment’ due to lack of hunger and thirst or lack of feeding to their spiritual needs.
• Only God can quench our thirst and satisfy our hunger for righteousness.
• What do you desire most? Do you long for more of God in you life or have you lost that hunger and thirst?

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Beatitudes: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are the Persecuted

More Bible Studies:

• Blessed are Pure in Heart – Beatitudes – Part 6 of 8
• Blessed are the Merciful | Beatitudes Bible Study | 5 of 8
• Beatitudes: Meaning and List
• Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8
• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8

Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness – Beatitudes Bible Study | 4 of 8 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide

“Blessed are the Meek, for they will inherit the earth” – This third of 8 beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) is a direct quotation of Psalm 37:11.

The meaning of Meek

• A person with humble and gentle heart
• It describes a person who is kind and considerate to others, even to those who oppose him, who is easily approachable, not prideful or resentful, not temperamental or harsh.
• It is an outward expression of inward humility, strength and spiritual poise. While others may act aggressively, the Meek walks in godly peace, others may claim their rights, the Meek focuses on his duties, while others may seek revenge, the Meek gives way for judgment of God.
• It does not imply weak, sad, subdued person or false modesty. But it portrays a man who willfully and joyfully considers his own life worth nothing, when compared to the greatness of God, he has experienced. The words of Paul have similar expression in Phil 3:7-11.

Meekness in Bible

• Meekness is often commended in the bible. You will be surprised to see such an emphasis on this quality. (The word ‘Meek’ is used about 22 times in the bible.)
• It is one of the fruit of Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22 – ‘gentleness’)
• It is the character, Jesus himself associated with. Matthew 11:29 – “For I am gentle and humble in heart…”
• It is the mark of disciple of Jesus. (Eph 4:2)
• Christian leaders are to be meek. (2 Timothy 2:25)

Historical Setting:

• Consider the historical setting in Jesus’ time, the multi-cultural society consisted of Jews, Romans and Greeks, who often fought for their supremacy.
  • The Jews took pride in their race, being superior to others.
  • The Romans took pride in their power, the greatest empire in those times.
  • The Greeks took pride in their knowledge, the greatest minds of that age.
• Notice, Jesus did not assert the prideful or the aggressor, but rather the ‘Poor in Spirit’ and the ‘Meek’.

The Promise: Inheritance

• What an amazing promise and reward, God gives to those who are meek! – “They will inherit the earth.”
• There are more than 200 instances of the word ‘inherit’ or its derivatives in old testament.The patriarchs and the prophets looked forward to the ‘Promise land’ as a fulfillment of great blessings.
• Inheritance comes as a legacy and gift.
• The meek will be the heirs and partakers of the Kingdom of God.

The more I study the beatitudes, the more I realize that these characteristics are not something you can get instantly. It is a subtle, gradual change. There are not set rules to achieve them. Only thing you can do is to allow God to completely transform you from within. And it is very difficult to give up control of our life and let God be in driving seat. (I am talking about Christians.)

Prayer:
“Change me from within; change my heart and let me be a person, you want me to be.”

Other Resource: The Beatitudes: Developing Spiritual Character (John Stott Bible Studies)

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Blessed are those Who Mourn: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 3: Beatitudes: Blessed are the Meek

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are the Persecuted (The link will be added as the lesson is available online.)

More Bible Studies:

• Blessed are the Peacemakers – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 7 of 8
• Blessed are Pure in Heart – Beatitudes – Part 6 of 8
• Beatitudes: Blessed are Poor in Spirit – 8 Part Series
• Blessed are Those who Mourn – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 2 of 8
• Blessed are the Merciful | Beatitudes Bible Study | 5 of 8

Blessed are the Meek – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 3 of 8 is a post from: Bible Study Lessons | Christian Bible Studies | Inductive Bible Study Guide