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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

11 Related Resources by Heartlight

Matthew 5:4
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
My Counterintuitive Kingdom
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, Many mortals chase after so many things thinking that a fulfilling life will be found in those things... those pursuits... those..."
A Great Reconstruction
Article by Max Lucado
God promises us a sacred blessing and a sacred delight in these words of Jesus! Max Lucado reminds us that while the Beatitudes are demanding, they are also life-giving and a privilege to live as an answer to God's call in our lives.
Do You Feel Lucky?
Article by Cary Branscum
Do you want to be lucky or blessed? Luck has many definitions depending upon those with whom you visit; but Christians are blessed!
See All 11 Related Resources about Matthew 5:4

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, February 8, 2025

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Equipped for Battle' (Ep. 6:11-13)
"Dear Father, warrior against all evil, May I put on the full array of battle gear that you supply that I may be able to stand against the schemes of...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 John 2:15-16
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world — the cravings of....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Jesus Sees and Cares' (Re. 5:6)
"Then I [John] saw a Lamb that looked as if it had been slaughtered, but it was now standing between the throne and the four living beings and among the..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Deuteronomy 11:1
"Love the Lord your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always."

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.

More What Jesus Did!