Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes) - Universal Perspective
The Beatitudes open Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, proclaiming kingdom values that invert worldly expectations. "Blessed" (makarios) announces divine favor on unlikely recipients: the poor, mourning, meek, and persecuted. INTERPRETIVE NOTES: Each beatitude has present ("theirs is") and future ("they will") dimensions.
UniversalKingdom values vs worldly valuesPresent blessing amid suffering