The phrase “blessed are those who mourn” comes from the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:4, where Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” This verse can seem puzzling at first – why would those who are mourning and sorrowful be considered blessed or happy? A closer look at the meaning provides insight into God’s care and purposes for those experiencing grief and loss.
The Context of the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes come during the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches vital principles of the kingdom of heaven. He contrasts the values of God’s kingdom with the values of the world. The poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and pure in heart are all called blessed, even though the world does not typically prize these qualities (Matthew 5:3-12).
So when Jesus calls those who mourn blessed, He is revealing a countercultural kingdom perspective. Mourning and grief are inevitable in a fallen world filled with suffering and death. But Jesus provides comfort and hope to those experiencing loss. As in the other Beatitudes, He calls them blessed because of the comfort and closeness to God that their mourning will ultimately produce.
Those Who Mourn Over Sin
One key aspect of “blessed are those who mourn” is mourning over sin. Sin has created separation between God and humanity, bringing death, pain, and brokenness into the world (Genesis 3; Romans 3:23; 6:23). Those who recognize the tragedy of sin and long for its end are called blessed.
As King David cried out, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:3-4). There is a godly sorrow that leads to repentance and reconciliation with God (2 Corinthians 7:10-11). Those who mourn their own sin and the fallen state of the world are comforted by God’s mercy and the hope of future redemption (Romans 8:20-25).
Mourning the Loss of Loved Ones
Jesus also has in mind those mourning the loss of loved ones. Death was not part of God’s original perfect creation, but entered the world because of human sin (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). Loss is inevitable in this age, but Christ came to conquer sin and defeat death forever (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
God draws especially close to provide hope and comfort to those experiencing bereavement and grief. As David said after the loss of his child, “I shall go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:15-23). There is assurance of reunion with loved ones for those in Christ. The day is coming when God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4).
Mourning and thePromise of Comfort
A key part of this Beatitude is the second half: “for they shall be comforted.” Those experiencing loss are not left without hope. God promises to be near to them in their time of need and provide consolation. As the apostle Paul said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Christ himself experienced intense sorrow at the death of his friend Lazarus (John 11:1-36). He identifies with our grief and pain. But he also provides assurance of hope and restoration beyond the grave. As he told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). For the believer, death is not the end. Sorrow and mourning are temporary. Eternal joy awaits.
How We Can Comfort Those Who Mourn Today
For Christians today, “blessed are those who mourn” is a call to demonstrate Christ’s comfort to those experiencing bereavement and grief. We can point them to the hope of God’s redemption and the promises of eternity with Christ. We can assure them that God is right there with them in the midst of their sorrow. As Paul said, God is “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
By our sensitivity, support, and care for their needs in the difficult season of grief, we can be agents of the promised comfort as well. There are also ministries, counseling, and support groups we can point them to. And ultimately, we look forward together to the day when “death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
Living in Light of This Beatitude
For those currently facing bereavement, grief, and deep pain in their lives, Jesus pronounces you blessed. He knows your sorrow and cares deeply. Draw close to Him, pouring out your heart, and He will provide you comfort and peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). God promises hope and joy to come in the morning, though weeping may endure for the night (Psalm 30:5).
For all believers, “blessed are those who mourn” challenges us to mourn over the tragedy of sin in our fallen world. We long for the redemption God has promised and lives marked by righteousness, not sin. We look forward to the day when sickness, pain, and death will be no more.
This beatitude also calls us to demonstrate Christ’s comfort to those experiencing loss. We point them to the hope of eternity and God’s promises to redeem their pain. We assure them of God’s abiding presence and provision of strength for each day. And we look forward together to the coming day of restoration, reunion, and unending joy.
Key Bible Passages on Mourning and God’s Comfort
Here are some key Bible verses on mourning and God’s comfort:
– “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
– “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
– “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
– “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” Isaiah 66:13
– “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
– “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” Lamentations 3:25-26
– “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
– “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
– “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
– “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 25:8
– “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
How the Early Church Viewed This Beatitude
The early church affirmed Jesus’ teaching that those who mourn are blessed and will be comforted. Church fathers like Augustine pointed to the hope this Beatitude gives: “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted…Wherefore mourn for your sins, and thou shalt be comforted; for the Lord comforteth them that mourn and repent” (Exposition on the Psalms).
Chrysostom emphasized mourning over sin: “For what it is to mourn, hear Isaiah, who saith, ‘I will bewail the mournings of Jazer, and the vine twigs of Sibmah.’ For they mourn over results and penalties, mourning that they have lost possessions through their sins” (Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew).
The church fathers connected “blessed are those who mourn” with the promise of eternal redemption and comfort in God’s presence. For instance, Irenaeus wrote, “And those who mourn shall be comforted, because from hence they shall receive again that which they had lost through sin; for this is the mourning unto life eternal” (Against Heresies). The Beatitude provides assurance of God’s purposes in the midst of earthly sorrows.
Insights on this Beatitude from Bible Scholars
Bible scholars over the centuries have provided helpful analysis of “blessed are those who mourn.” Here are some key insights:
John Calvin wrote that this Beatitude refers chiefly to repentance: “Believers are termed mourners…Partly because they groan under the burden of the cross…Partly because they are afflicted by a view of their own vices” (Commentary on Matthew).
Alexander Maclaren said it includes “the mourning which comes of tenderness of heart” and “the mourning which comes of hopes deferred” (Expositions). Both mourning over sin and earthly sorrows are in view.
J.C. Ryle emphasized that “the mourning to which Christ annexes a blessing, is a certain experience and state of heart” rather than outward formalities (Expository Thoughts). True heart repentance is key.
Leon Morris wrote that this Beatitude provides “support and encouragement to those who mourn. It pronounces the verdict of heaven in their favor” (Reflections on the Gospel of Matthew). God sees and cares for the brokenhearted.
D.A. Carson describes it as “comfort in the context of misery that can look for deliverance only from God himself” (Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount). It points us to the hope of God’s redemption.
Practical Applications
– For those mourning, cling to God’s promises of future redemption, hope, and comfort. Cast your cares on Christ.
– Repent genuinely over sin in our own hearts and cry out for God’s holiness in the world.
– Demonstrate compassion and support to those experiencing grief. Point them to eternal hope.
– Remember bereavement is temporary. The day is coming when God will wipe away every tear.
– Mourn over the brokenness in the world, while looking ahead to God’s restoration.
– Thank God daily for the hope of eternity for all believers. Death is not the end.
Conclusion
“Blessed are those who mourn” is a pronouncement of great hope. For those mourning loss and pain in this fallen world, God draws close and promises comfort. This Beatitude also calls us to mourn and repent over sin, looking ahead to God’s redemption and the day when all tears will be wiped away forever. As believers, we cling to the promises of eternity, allowing this to radically shape our perspective on grief and death. And we have the privilege of demonstrating Christ’s tender comfort to others in seasons of sorrow.