Eight short studies that unpack every “Blessed are…” saying of Jesus—linking Matthew, Luke, and Old-Testament roots, plus a practical step for today.
1 ▸ BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT
Matthew 5 : 3 | Luke 6 : 20
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Old-Testament Echoes
- Psalm 34 : 18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
- Isaiah 57 : 15 – God revives the contrite and lowly in spirit.
Why It Matters
Spiritual poverty is honest dependence on God, not self-pity. It opens the door to the Kingdom here and now.
Today’s Practice
Begin prayer by naming one area where you can’t “fix it” yourself—invite God to meet you there.
2 ▸ BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN
Matthew 5 : 4 | Luke 6 : 21
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Old-Testament Echoes
- Isaiah 61 : 2–3 – To comfort all who mourn in Zion.
- Psalm 147 : 3 – He heals the brokenhearted.
Why It Matters
Jesus affirms grief; tears invite divine comfort and communal empathy—not shallow positivity.
Today’s Practice
Write—or speak aloud—a lament. Give God specific losses and wait in silence for His comfort.
3 ▸ BLESSED ARE THE MEEK
Matthew 5 : 5
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Old-Testament Echoes
- Psalm 37 : 11 – The meek will inherit the land.
- Isaiah 29 : 19 – The humble will rejoice in the Lord.
Why It Matters
Meekness is gentle strength—power under restraint—that trusts God to secure the future.
Today’s Practice
Choose one conflict this week where you will respond with calm humility rather than force.
4 ▸ BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER & THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
Matthew 5 : 6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
Old-Testament Echoes
- Psalm 42 : 1 – As the deer pants for water…
- Isaiah 55 : 1 – Come, all who are thirsty.
Why It Matters
A craving for God’s justice reshapes priorities—personal integrity and social fairness become non-negotiable.
Today’s Practice
Fast from one convenience; during each craving, pray for a justice issue on your heart.
5 ▸ BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL
Matthew 5 : 7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Old-Testament Echoes
- Micah 6 : 8 – Love mercy, walk humbly.
- Proverbs 14 : 21 – Blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
Why It Matters
Mercy is love in action toward the undeserving—reflecting God’s heart and inviting reciprocal grace.
Today’s Practice
Extend one unearned kindness to someone who frustrated you recently.
6 ▸ BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART
Matthew 5 : 8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Old-Testament Echoes
- Psalm 24 : 3-4 – Clean hands and a pure heart.
- Isaiah 33 : 15-17 – The one who walks righteously will see the King.
Why It Matters
Purity is undivided devotion. Clarity of heart sharpens our vision of God’s presence in everyday life.
Today’s Practice
Audit your media diet for one hour: remove any feed that clouds your focus on God.
7 ▸ BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
Matthew 5 : 9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Old-Testament Echoes
- Isaiah 2 : 4 – Swords into plowshares.
- Proverbs 12 : 20 – Those who promote peace have joy.
Why It Matters
Peacemaking moves beyond avoiding conflict—it actively repairs broken relationships and systems.
Today’s Practice
Initiate one act of reconciliation—send an apology, mediate a dispute, or volunteer for a peace-building project.
8 ▸ BLESSED ARE THOSE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
Matthew 5 : 10
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Old-Testament Echoes
- Psalm 34 : 19 – The Lord delivers the righteous from troubles.
- Isaiah 51 : 7 – Do not fear reproach from men.
Why It Matters
Opposition confirms Kingdom allegiance and anchors hope in future vindication.
Today’s Practice
Pray for believers facing hardship worldwide; write a note of encouragement to someone under pressure for doing right.
Series Wrap-Up: The Beatitudes flip worldly values upside down, inviting us into a lifestyle marked by humility, mercy, justice, and resilient hope. Keep returning to these blessings until they become second nature.
