Blessed are Those who Mourn – Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 2 of 8

Bible Study Lesson:
Beatitudes
Matthew 5: 3-12

“Blessed are those who mourn” is the second of 8 beatitudes mentioned in Matthew 5: 3-12, preached by Jesus, in his sermon on the mount. (Read the Introduction and first beatitude “Blessed are Poor in Spirit“.)
The beatitude seems contradictory, at first, because the “blessedness” literally means the state of being happy or blessed! How can one be happy, when he is mourning or sad!

Who are “Those who mourn”?

There can be variety of reasons for mourning, it can be due to
loss of loved one or job or any other kind
Personal sin, mistakes or failures
mourning with those who are afflicted or suffering
for the ‘Lost’ and for the ‘Kingdom of God to come’
People react differently do the same event of loosing loved one or job or any other suffering.
Some may completely ignore it. They try to escape it by replacing it with worldly pleasures.
Some try to escape it by means of alcohol or drugs, when they cannot bear the pain, they just run away from it.
And there are few, who turn to God for finding solace, comfort in their time of suffering and pain.

beatitude mourning 267x300 Blessed are Those who Mourn Beatitudes Bible Study Series | Part 2 of 8

Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow:

It is fascinating that bible talks about two kinds of sorrow. 2 Cor 7:10:”Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” We can understand these different sorrows from two very famous events during crucification of Jesus.
Peter: When Peter denied Jesus three times, he “wept bitterly”. (Matthew 26:69-75). He was grieving for his failures, but this led him to repentance and towards Jesus.
Judas: The very next passage talks about Judas. He also was “seized with remorse”, when he realized his wrongdoing. (Matthew 27:1-10), but instead of repentance, this led him to committing suicide. (literally “death” according to 2 Cor 7:10)
So, in light of this, any sorrow or mourning which lead up to God for finding the comfort, peace and strength is the “Godly sorrow”, which Jesus is referring to. God will comfort those who turn to Him.

Comfort – Calling Near

The Greek word for ‘comforted’ is ‘parakaleo’ which means ‘to call to the side of’, ‘to call near’. The comfort which God offers, is not just consoling or soothing, but it is much more than that. When we turn to God in our suffering, God call us to his side, He comfort us and come to our rescue.
We often complain about God’s silence in our time of need or suffering. But this beatitude (blessedness) depicts very different picture. God is calling us near, ready to comfort us, all we need to do is to respond to Him. This idea is fully realized in the Words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

To summarize, this beatitude, at its core, brings the “Message of Hope” for those who mourn or are hurt. You can try to ignore it, or escape it, but you can only find true comfort and rest in Jesus.

Part 1: Blessed are the Poor in Spirit: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 2: Beatitudes: Blessed are those Who Mourn

Part 3: Blessed are the Meek: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 4: Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 5: Blessed are the Merciful: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 6: Blessed are the Pure in heart: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 7: Blessed are the Peacemakers: Beatitudes Bible Study Series

Part 8: Beatitudes: Blessed are the Persecuted (The link will be added as the lesson is available online.)

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