Sermon on the Mount I - JSS2 Christian Religious Studies Past Questions and Answers - page 1

Beatitude means a state of total happiness, blessedness, happy successful and prosperous in God’s kingdom.

The kingdom of God here refers to God’s rule in our hearts. God rules our hearts when we obey Him. Therefore, God’s rule in our hearts demands that we behave in certain ways acceptable to Him. These ways are found in Jesus teaching in the Beatitudes.

Jesus taught on a mount.

1. Enduring Persecution for Righteousness:

Meaning: This Beatitude speaks about being blessed when you are persecuted for doing what is right and for following Jesus' teachings.

Implication: It implies that standing up for your faith and living according to God's commandments may lead to suffering and opposition from others.

2. Reward in Heaven:

Meaning: Jesus assures that those who endure persecution for His sake will be greatly rewarded in heaven.

Implication: It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite challenges, as their ultimate reward is eternal life and happiness in God's kingdom.

3. Rejoicing in Suffering:

Meaning: Jesus calls believers to rejoice and be glad even when they face insults, false accusations, and persecution because of their faith.

Implication: It teaches that believers should have a positive attitude and find joy in their trials, knowing that they are sharing in the experiences of the prophets and other faithful servants of God.

4. Identification with Prophets:

Meaning: Jesus compares the persecution of His followers to the persecution faced by the prophets in the past.

Implication: It implies that being persecuted for one's faith aligns a believer with the great prophets who also faced opposition for speaking God's truth.