Becoming a Disciple of Jesus: Embracing the Blessed Life

As followers of Jesus, we are called to a higher standard – one that may challenge us, but also promises immense blessings. In this series on “The Best Sermon Ever,” we will dive deep into the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters 5-7, exploring what it means to truly be a disciple of Christ.

The Foundation of a Disciple

Jesus begins his famous sermon by outlining the foundational attitudes and mindsets of those who would follow him. He declares, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:3-5)

Being “poor in spirit” means recognizing your own brokenness and need for God. It is the opposite of pride and self-reliance. Those who mourn are not just grieving personal loss, but feel the weight of a broken world and long for God’s restoration. And the “meek” are not weak, but have their strength under God’s control, willing to surrender their own agenda for the sake of His kingdom.

These foundational qualities may seem counterintuitive to the world’s values, but they are essential for becoming a true disciple of Jesus. When we embrace poverty of spirit, mourning over sin, and meekness before God, we position ourselves to receive the blessings of His kingdom.

The Focus of a Disciple

Next, Jesus declares, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) The disciple’s primary focus must be on pursuing God’s standard of right living, not just external moral compliance.

This is a deep, soul-level longing – a “hunger and thirst” – for the holiness and justice that reflect God’s character. It is a desire to please Him, not merely to look good in the eyes of others. As we cultivate this focus, God promises to “fill” us, satisfying our spiritual appetite through an intimate relationship with Him.

In contrast to the Pharisees, who sought righteousness for self-exaltation, the disciple pursues righteousness out of love for God and a genuine desire to honor Him. This shift in motivation is essential for experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings.

The Fruit of a Disciple

Finally, Jesus describes the outward evidence of a disciple’s transformed heart: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:7-9)

Disciples are marked by mercy, extending grace and compassion to others, even those who have wronged them. They pursue purity of heart, keeping their motives and desires aligned with God’s will. And they work to bring reconciliation and wholeness, becoming “peacemakers” in a divided world.

These qualities are the natural fruit of a life that has been radically transformed by the gospel. They demonstrate the disciple’s deepening relationship with God and their desire to reflect His character to those around them.

Embracing the Blessed Life

As you consider your own journey of faith, where do you see yourself in this progression? Are you still lost in the maze of this world, longing for the Savior to lead you out? Or have you been saved, but are now being called to a deeper commitment as a disciple of Jesus?

The path of discipleship is not an easy one, but it leads to a life of profound blessing. As you embrace poverty of spirit, mourn over sin, and surrender your strength to God’s control, you will find the kingdom of heaven opening up before you. As you hunger and thirst for righteousness, God will fill you with His presence. And as you extend mercy, pursue purity, and work for peace, you will experience the joy of being called a child of God.

This is the “blessed life” that Jesus invites us to – not a life of ease and comfort, but one of deeper intimacy with Him and greater impact in His kingdom. Will you accept the challenge and become a disciple who makes disciples? The world is waiting for Christians who will boldly live out the principles of the Sermon on the Mount.