The Mercy of the Messiah

The beatitudes are a well-known and well-beloved series of scriptures found in the Gospels of Matthew (5:3-12) and Luke (6:20-22).  The verses from Matthew are know as the Sermon on the Mount.   The verses in Luke are known as the Sermon on the Plain.   The inclusion of Luke’s Gospel in the lectionary reading for the sixth week of Epiphany also directs attention to the contrasts between Matthew and Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. 

In Matthew’s Gospel, the Magi are described as arriving to see the Christ child in Bethlehem and they came bearing gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh.  Because the Magi (also known as the wisemen) brought expensive gifts, they are assumed to be wealthy and they are frequently depicted in long, colorful robes that are made of luxurious fabrics.  The Gospel of Luke describes the shepherds arriving to see baby Jesus.  The shepherds are portrayed plainly as men wearing sandals and simple attire.  

Similarly, in the beatitudes, the Gospel of Matthew describes Jesus going up the mountain to teach the people.  The Gospel of Luke presents Jesus as coming down the mountain to teach.   Both events parallel the actions of Moses in which he went up the mountain to receive the commandments from God (Matthew’s focus) and when Moses came down the mountain to deliver the tablets containing the commandments to the people.  The word beatitudes is derived from the Latin word beati which means blessing.  While blessing is often thought of as meaning favored or to receive special consideration.  However, blessed does not necessarily mean the absence of struggle, it means moving towards the realm of God.  Sometimes, hatred, scorn and abuse will accompany the decision to identify with Christ.  The Greek word for blessing is makarios which means being in unity with God.  Rev. Elizabeth Milford notes that blessed does not mean being free from struggle, rather it means to be oriented towards a reality where God’s realm is realized.

While Matthew’s Gospel lists nine blessings, Luke’s Gospel lists four blessings followed by four warnings on woe—woe to you who are rich, well fed, laughing and even complimented.  Those who have received what most would have considered blessings are warned of the tribulations that will come.  The relief and the consolation from the sources of woe are found in the connection with Jesus and in the community of those who have experienced His healing.  The strength of the church and the strength of the community is found in the willingness to share things in common.  Strength is also found in the anticipation of the obstacles that will be encountered—if we have been warmed to expect rejection, we can be prepared for the efforts to exclude.  

Throughout the season of Epiphany, we learn of the various ways that the enlarging circle of disciples continues to include more and more people who learn that Jesus is the Messiah from His teaching and His miracles.  What are your epiphanies during this time of the liturgical year?  What are some of the ways you are experiencing the manifestations of Jesus and how are those around you encouraged by your witness?

In Christ, 
Jon McCoy