Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
The word used for ‘mourn’ here is also used in the Greek version of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, to describe Jacob’s grief when he was led to believe that Joseph, his treasured son, was dead (Genesis 37:34). He was grief-stricken. God’s promise is that those who are overwhelmed with sorrow now will find His comfort and strength. This leaves us with a question: who are the people that are mourning so profoundly today?
Jesus probably had in mind, among others, those who knew the agony of losing a loved one. We all know the pain of friends and family members dying, and many of us have had the awful experience of people dying suddenly or even violently. None of us would want to make light of these terrible experiences, but Jesus reminds us that death doesn’t have the last word. Even in the midst of our loss, God is there with us, offering His peace, strength and love.
Jesus was almost certainly speaking about others who mourn as well, for example people who are overwhelmed by the brokenness and suffering in the world. And then there are those who feel crushed by their failures and sinfulness. Jesus comes to all those who are overwhelmed with sadness and grief and announces His good news. Miraculously, He is able to bring comfort to anyone who is willing to bring their heavy burden to Him and leave it in His hands.
Question
When have you had the experience of mourning, and how did God comfort you?
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You that You meet us in our times of distress and give us the strength to carry on. Amen

Released on 21 Oct 2026