“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”  Matthew 5:6 KJV

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 NASB

There are seven references to righteousness in Matthew’s gospel. All are worthy of note. The Lord Jesus was the prime example of One Who hungered after righteousness. But in His case it was not personal righteousness, but a longing and love for righteousness. Hebrews 1:9 reminds us that He “loved righteousness and hated iniquity.”

Just as the promise of this verse is guaranteed to all who pursue and seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), so it is true for the Lord Jesus Himself. He has been “filled” or satisfied that His work has established a basis for eternal righteousness. A day will yet dawn when “a King shall reign in righteousness” and the righteousness will dwell on the earth.

Questions to consider:

  1. In what way did the Lord Jesus express His love for righteousness by His service on earth?
  2. The Lord Jesus loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. At Calvary, He bore what He hated because of what He loved. Think about that.
  3. What do you think it meant for the only One Who ever lived and loved righteousness perfectly, to be accused and condemned as lawless?
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