Mourning

I think that most of us have grown up being told, in one way or other, that we are to pursue the good life. We have also been told what that is supposed to look like. Well, as with everything else, we need to examine such things using the Gospel. It helps to note that Jesus gives some pointers on what the good life actually looks like. One place He does that is in that list that we have come to call the Beatitudes. This is, in part, Jesus’ idea of the good life, the blessed life.

This morning we’re going to spend a little time exploring Jesus’ idea of the good life. We’re not going to look at all of those listed blessings - just one. And this is the one that I have in mind.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5.4

We’re going to take a look at mourning. That may seem to be an odd topic to take a look at, particularly if we’re talking about enjoying the good life. But it’s Jesus who includes it in His list of blessings.

Mourning

Today, we’re going to take a look at something that we don’t talk about much. We’re going to talk about mourning. This can be a dark topic, which is why people don’t like talking about it. But we need to deal with it. And one reason for that is that we need to face life honestly so that we can live well. And if we face life honestly, we will mourn.

Jesus talked with His disciples about mourning during His Sermon on the Mount. It’s one of what we call His Beatitudes. Listen.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5.4

Let’s take a look at this to see what Jesus expects of us.

Mourn

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

I love this beatitude. And one reason that I love it is because it would never make it on any modern list of beatitudes. And that tells us something.