Reading the Sermon on the Mount with John Stott: With Questions for Groups or Individuals

Top Highlights

“But it is seriously misleading to translate makarios as ‘happy.’ Happiness is subjective, while Jesus is making an objective judgment about these people. He is declaring not what they may feel on a particular occasion (happy), but what God thinks of them and what they really are: they are blessed.” (Page 16)

“The eight qualities together constitute the responsibilities, and the eight blessings the privileges, of being a citizen of God’s kingdom. This is what the enjoyment of God’s rule in our lives means.” (Page 17)

“Jesus’ promise is that those who mourn over their own sinfulness will be comforted by the only comfort that can relieve their distress—God’s free forgiveness.” (Page 20)

“The poverty and hunger to which Jesus refers in the beatitudes are spiritual conditions.” (Page 15)

“Meek people have a true view of themselves. They understand their spiritual poverty before God and the amazing grace that gave them a right standing with God, and because of God’s mercy and blessing to them they are gentle, humble, sensitive and patient with other people.” (Page 20)