What Jesus Did! 'Beyond Mourning' — Matthew 5:4

Saturday, February 8, 2025

[Jesus continued:]
"God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted."
— Matthew 5:4 NLT

Key Thought

Paul told Christians in Rome, "Weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). Disciples face sadness for many reasons. Discipleship is not about always being happy. It's about following the path of Jesus who was "a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief" (Isaiah 53:3). He surrendered his rights in order to bless others. He surrendered his life in order to forgive the very ones crucifying him. He saw through the facades of his culture and felt the real needs of people whether they were ill, possessed, or simply blind to the truth. To be a Christian — a disciple of Jesus — means to care about people, their problems, and to "weep with those who weep." Such mourning means comfort. Our sufferings, hardships, and struggles will melt away in the eternal light of God's presence and grace. Our heartbreak for those broken in our world will be replaced with rejoicing when many we love join us at God's side eternally. Those who mourn, who are deeply sad, they will be comforted!

Today's Prayer

O God of all comfort, thank you for never abandoning me in the dark hours of grief and pain. Thank you for listening to my complaints and heartbreak when times are tough. Thank you for loving me and not turning away. I believe, dear Father, that all comfort comes from you and is found in you! So I ask that you help me recognize others who are in pain, that I might share in bringing them your comfort. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
  • Romans 8:18
  • Isaiah 53:3

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:4 NLT — [Jesus continued:] "God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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