Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Matthew 5:1-12

Introduction

1.      In the beatitudes, Jesus tells us where to seek for a blessing

2.      Sometimes blessings are found in unusual places; such is the case with the beatitudes – Blessed are those who mourn is one of those cases

3.      Some wisdom from Solomon – “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief” (Prov 14:13) “Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.” (Eccl 7:3)

4.      To consider:  two sources of mourning, one physical and the other spiritual  

Discussion

1.      Mourning for physical causes

a.       At the death of a loved one, relative or friend

                                                            i.      John 11:35 – Jesus at the death of Lazarus

                                                          ii.      Acts 9:39 – the Joppa church at the death of Dorcas

b.      When undergoing a trial or discipline

                                                            i.      Jesus – Heb 5:7

                                                          ii.      Disciples – Heb 12:11

c.       When someone whom you love is going through a difficult time

                                                            i.      Rom 12:15

                                                          ii.      1 Cor 12:26  

2.      Mourning for spiritual causes

a.       Understanding that sin brings a curse and that sin is distressing

                                                            i.      Gen 2:17

                                                          ii.      Rom 6:23

b.      Understanding our own sin

                                                            i.      James 4:7-10

                                                          ii.      Gal 5:19-23

c.       Understanding that others are in sin

                                                            i.      Jesus – Luke 19:41

                                                          ii.      1 Cor 13:6  

3.      The power of mourning to bring change and healing

a.       Bringing healing through acceptance of pain

                                                            i.      2 Cor 7:8-11

                                                          ii.      Heb 9:27

b.      Bringing healing through sharing with others

                                                            i.      Matt 10:28

                                                          ii.      Gal 6:2

c.       Bringing healing through hope

                                                            i.      Beyond sin is forgiveness – Is 6:7

                                                          ii.      Beyond death there is life – 1 Thess 4:13-14  

Conclusion

1.       Those who deny pain receive no release: those who mourn shall be comforted

2.      Not all mourning leads to comfort – there must be an acceptance of loss and an understanding of our responsibility when there is sin

3.      It is not God’s will that His people should continue to mourn

4.      When we turn to God, accept the sacrifice of Jesus in baptism, there is comfort for every sorrow, there is hope in every grief