A Disciple's Be-Atitudes - #2 Those Who Mourn

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#2  Those Who Mourn

Matthew 5: 4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

“I’m a committed Christian yet I suffer a great deal in my life. Why?’  These words can be heard from many within the faith. Somehow we get a message that in Christ every day will be a day of roses and ease. Not true! Jesus even instructed that if you follow him you must pick up a cross to follow. That’s not an experience of ease and comfort.

What is the meaning of mourning here?  Well, life happens!  In life, because of sin, there seems to be more misery than joy. Everyday we are bombarded with news of suffering and pain. Everyday we get word of some type of suffering, hurt, death or community tragedy through the media. Suffering, misery and pain is all around us. So why did Jesus state “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”?

This second beatitude is to help us to develop as Christ disciples. Those who mourn are those who weep because of the sin of this world and because of their own sin. The prodigal son is an example this mourning. St. Peter is another example after he denied the Lord three times. St. Paul grieved over his sins and called himself the “chief of sinners.” This is the spiritual mourning God wants to see in us. And there is a great promise also. Mourners like this will be comforted.

The world, unbelievers, knows a suffering and pain that cannot be comforted. Believers in Christ Jesus experience the comfort that comes from the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that delivers to us the knowledge of the rich comfort of the blood of Jesus Christ. All sin is cleansed through His blood. (1 John1:7; Isaiah 1:18-19, 41; John 3:16)

We have comfort in Jesus’ invitation. He invites to come unto him and rest. (Matthew 11:28) When Jesus invites us to rest in him, He is implying that there is certainty and reconciliation. In Christ we have full forgiveness.

We are comforted in the kingdom to follow, love and serve Him.

Questions:

1.     Who is that mourns?

2.     Why do the sinful behavior of others make us mourn?

3.     Are you heart broken when you confess your sins?

4.     What comforts are you seeking from God?

Applications:

1.     Our mourning opens the door for a real relationship with the Father. (Luke 15:11-32)

2.     Each trial we endure will help comfort other people who are suffering similar experiences. (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

3.     Jesus Christ comforts you when you mourn over you sins or over your neighbor’s sufferings. (Isaiah  53:3)