Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
In our study of the sermon on the mount and the beatitudes of the past weeks, it is important to note these studies are not exhaustive or comprehensive as they could be. What is said about each beatitude is meant to only speak to the most important points because of the limited space allowed.
In the first two beatitudes we studied over the last three weeks, “poor in spirit” and “those who mourn” had to do with a believer’s understanding where we stand with God. The third beatitude, being “meek” has more to do with our character. Vine gives us a great definition, “meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.” Equanimity is, “mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation.”
The next beatitude that Jesus gives us is, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”. As stated in past weeks, Jesus is not using an oxymoron to get the listeners attention. Also, this beatitude is not self-contradicting. As stated in previous articles, we learned that “Blessed” means “happy” or “fortunate” or “Spiritually prosperous”. So, it is possible to easily think, “how can I be hungry and thirsty but at the same time be “happy” or “fortunate” or “Spiritually prosperous”? Being blessed or spiritually prosperous has to do with what Jesus says will be the result or outcome of the right of the condition of our heart or in this case “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”.
It is interesting to note in this beatitude, Jesus is using an example or comparison to which all who heard Him could relate. No matter the listener’s gender, age, social status or education, everyone knows what it is to be hungry and thirsty. However, the kind of hunger Jesus is referring to is not what we all experience when we get up in the morning before we eat breakfast or after a hard day’s work when exaggerating we say that we are famished or starving. The kind or level of hunger that Jesus is referring to is much more intense and very serious. William Barclay explains it this way, “It is a hunger of a man who is starving for food, and the thrust of a man who will die unless he drinks.”
Another aspect that is only seen by understanding the tense of the Greek words hunger and thirst, is stated by Wuest in his expanded translation of the New Testament, which helps us to examine our hearts as we apply this verse to ourselves. “Spiritually prosperous are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, because they themselves shall be filled so as to be completely satisfied.” We see that the words hunger and thirst are nouns in the Greek. But why is this important for us to understand? When a word ends in “…ing” we understand that it is an on-going process. It is not a one-time event or happening only once. The hunger and thirst for “righteousness” we are experiencing and the desire we have is continual or always happening. This desire “hunger and thirst” is not a one-time event that is satisfied or it is being simply satisfied with a little snack and a sip of water. There is also another meaning that can be applied, a good example is, our hunger is not satisfied with one slice of bread, no, we want the whole loaf. And our thirst is not satisfied with just a glass of water, we want the decanter. There is no moderation here or even a consideration of your diet. The simple idea that Jesus is telling us is we should continually or always want the whole thing not just a portion when it comes to “righteousness”.
This brings us to our next point. What is this “righteousness” that Jesus is this telling us that we should have such an intense never-ending hunger and thrust for? Also, if Jesus is telling us that we should have such a big and continuous desire for “righteousness”, then we need to take note that it must be really good. But do we really know what this “righteousness” is that Jesus is talking about?
Generally, there two applications that most Bible commentaries give for the word “righteousness”. A good but brief explanation of the two is the following, “This line expresses a deep desire both for personal righteousness and for a world characterized by God’s righteousness (or justice).”
For our study we are only going to look at how “righteousness” applies to us personally. The Nelson’s new illustrated Bible dictionary gives us the following definition. RIGHTEOUSNESS — holy and upright living, in accordance with God’s standard. The word “righteousness” comes from a root word that means “straightness.” It refers to a state that conforms to an authoritative standard. Wiersbe says, “…the righteousness Jesus described is a true and vital righteousness that begins internally, in the heart.” Righteousness, “When used of man, it means conformity to the revealed standards and will of God.”
It is important to note that this definition an application fits right in and continues with the context of the previous two beatitudes. They all apply to us and our personal relationship to God. All three have to with my understanding of my spiritual position before God but also my willingness and submission to God to do something about it, and the blessings or results of my actions.
So, with this understanding of the definition and application of what Jesus is teaching us, we need to ask ourselves an important question. How badly do we want to live a life of righteousness that conforms to “the revealed standards and will of God” which Jesus is talking about?
The result when we do Jesus says we are blessed because we “hunger and thirst for righteousness”. The blessing is clear but it is also a promise for each of us, for they (or we) will be filled. Wuest says, because they themselves shall be filled so as to be completely satisfied.”
To live a life that has this deep, intense and constant desire for “righteousness” only happens and is experienced by a loving relationship with Jesus. And the complete satisfaction of those who are hungering and thirsting for righteousness is promised by Jesus. However, to have such a deep, intense and constant and desire for “righteousness” also comes from a love for God as Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:37-38, 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
We also experience filling or complete satisfaction and we do not have to worry when God’s priorities are most important in our lives. Jesus mentions this in Matthew 6:31-33.
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
We saw that “righteousness” is “holy and upright living, in accordance with God’s standard.” God’s standard is His Word, the Bible. Jesus says in John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. Obedience to God’s Word is an important aspect to “righteousness”. But it is not an obedience out of duty or fear of the consequences, it is an obedience because of a loving relationship with God and His word.
Pastor John
John 14:23 23
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.
My Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our home with him.
