avatarDr Jeff Livingston

Summary

The web content provides an illustrated interpretation of The Beatitudes, a series of blessings taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in the Book of Matthew, and juxtaposes them with contemporary social and political issues.

Abstract

The article presents a modern reflection on The Beatitudes, a core Christian teaching delivered by Jesus Christ during the Sermon on the Mount. It pairs each of the eight blessings with images and stories that reflect current events and societal challenges, such as immigration, political leadership, law enforcement, and public protests. The illustrations serve to bridge the ancient wisdom of the scriptures with the realities of the year 2020, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of the teachings in a modern context. The content emphasizes the relevance of Jesus' messages of humility, compassion, and peace in the face of contemporary issues, suggesting that adherence to these principles can lead to comfort, fulfillment, and spiritual reward.

Opinions

  • The article implies a connection between the struggles of modern society and the timeless spiritual guidance offered by The Beatitudes.
  • It suggests that those who suffer or are marginalized, as depicted in the accompanying images, are inheritors of the promises outlined in Jesus' teachings.
  • The use of current news events, such as the tragic deaths at the border and the global reaction to George Floyd's murder, indicates a critique of current societ

8 Blessings by Jesus From the Sermon on the Mount

A 2020 Illustration of The Beatitudes

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Book of Mathew: When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

The bodies of Óscar Alberto Martínez Ramírez and his nearly 2-year-old daughter, Valeria, lie on the bank of the Rio Grande in Matamoros, Mexico, where they were found Monday morning. They drowned while trying to cross the river to Brownsville, Texas. This photograph was first published in the Mexican newspaper La Jornada. Julia Le Duc/AP.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Donald Trump outside the White House on Friday (Picture: Getty) declaring Friday is ‘a great day’ for murdered George Floyd as he highlighted better than expected unemployment numbers

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Rio Grande Valley Sector via AP

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

President Donald Trump walks past police in Lafayette Park after he visited outside St. John’s Church across from the White House Monday, June 1, 2020, in Washington. Part of the church was set on fire during protests on Sunday night. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Associated Press

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

https://www.channel3000.com/minneapolis-officer-who-knelt-on-george-floyds-neck-is-in-state-custody/

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/chuckjones/2020/02/29/four-charts-comparing-trumps-vs-obamas-stock-market-returns/#238aaa983552

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

President Trump holds up a Bible outside of St. John’s Episcopal church across Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump holds up a Bible outside of St. John’s Episcopal church across Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

twitter.com

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for, in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Politics
Religion
Election 2020
Coronavirus
Society
Recommended from ReadMedium