3 | Matthew 5:6 | Blessed are Those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

The Good Life

Matthew 5:1-12 makes up what is commonly called the Beatitudes, which comes from the Latin word beatus, meaning “blessed.” The Beatitudes provide a picture of what life in Jesus’ kingdom looks like and the kind of character His followers possess. They are not laws that, if obeyed, merit someone’s salvation. Instead, they are evidence that someone is truly saved. In other words, when individuals experience God’s grace poured out through the gospel, this is the kind of life it produces, and the type of life citizens of the kingdom pursue. In this way, they flourish, which is an appropriate way to understand the word blessed. In this way, they experience the Good Life. Jesus’ version of the Good Life starkly contrasts with the world’s version of the good life. These eight beatitudes show us what we truly want and the life we are actually after. Only this life can give us the meaning, joy, and wholeness we desire.   

Reflection Questions

1. Read Matthew 5:6. What comes to mind when you hear the word righteousness? Is it something that seems difficult or even unattainable?   

2. Jesus says we should think of righteousness as we do food and drink, as essential to life. Why do you think He used these metaphors (eating/drinking) for this beatitude and not the others?  

3. Righteousness means living in conformity to God’s will in all of life. Do you think of this as something to delight in (as you would a savory meal), or does it feel like a duty (something you don’t want to do, but should)? Is obeying God a joy or a burdensome task?  

4. Jesus promises that “we will be filled” if we hunger/thirst for righteousness. What good things does God fill us with as we live to please Him? What are the blessings, joys, and benefits of trusting and obeying Him?