Gospel at a Glance

Episode 25 - Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed are the Persecuted

Scripture: Matthew 5:10–12
Episode Overview:
This episode closes our Beatitudes series with Jesus’ final and most challenging blessing: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Through translation comparison, word study, and reflection, we explore what it means to remain faithful when faithfulness costs something. Persecution, Jesus says, is not a sign of failure but of alignment with the kingdom of God. Those who endure hardship for righteousness’ sake stand in the company of prophets and saints and their endurance becomes a testimony of grace.
Takeaways
The Greek word diōkō means “to pursue or chase”—persecution often comes as pressure for living by God’s truth.
Faithfulness under pressure reveals the presence of God’s kingdom within us.
Jesus doesn’t glorify suffering—He promises that it will never be wasted.
The Beatitudes begin and end with the same phrase, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” reminding us that the humble and the steadfast share the same promise.
When you are misunderstood, excluded, or mistreated for doing what’s right, you are walking in the path of Christ Himself.
Recommended Reading
Scripture Cross-References
Isaiah 51:7 – “Do not fear the reproach of men or be dismayed at their insults.”
John 15:18–20 – “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.”
Romans 8:35–39 – Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:12 – “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
1 Peter 4:12–14 – Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ.
Books & Devotionals
The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven — Amy-Jill Levine
The Cost of Discipleship — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Divine Conspiracy — Dallas Willard
Jesus and the Disinherited — Howard Thurman
Every Moment Holy, Vol. 2 — Douglas Kaine McKelvey (liturgies for endurance and hope)
Connect
Substack: Gospel at a Glance
Instagram: gospelataglancepod
Email: gospelataglancepodcast@gmail.com
Keywords / Tags:
Beatitudes, Matthew 5:10, persecution, righteousness, faithfulness, endurance, suffering for Christ, kingdom of heaven, Sermon on the Mount, Gospel reflection, Christian devotional
Hashtags:
#GospelAtAGlance #Beatitudes #Persecution #Righteousness #Faithfulness #Endurance #SermonOnTheMount #ChristianPodcast #Devotional #KingdomOfHeaven

Episode 24 - Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers

Scripture: Matthew 5:9
Episode Overview:
This episode explores the seventh Beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Jesus’ blessing reminds us that peace is not the absence of conflict but the active work of reconciliation. We look at the Greek word eirēnopoios—literally “peace-maker”—and learn that true peace is cultivated, not inherited. Through translation comparison, word study, and reflection, we discover that when we make peace, we mirror the heart of God Himself, the One who reconciles all things through love.
Takeaways
Peace is not passive; it’s the courageous act of restoring what’s broken.
The word shalom means wholeness—God’s desire for harmony in every relationship.
Peacemakers enter conflict with grace, not avoidance, believing reconciliation is possible.
When we make peace, we reflect our Father’s character and show the world what love looks like.
True peace often comes through sacrifice, but it always bears the family resemblance of God’s children.
Recommended Reading
Scripture Cross-References
Psalm 34:14 – “Seek peace and pursue it.”
Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful are the feet of those who proclaim peace.”
Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Ephesians 2:14 – “He Himself is our peace.”
Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
Books & Devotionals
The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven — Amy-Jill Levine
The Divine Conspiracy — Dallas Willard
The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict — Ken Sande
Jesus and the Disinherited — Howard Thurman
Every Moment Holy, Vol. 2 — Douglas Kaine McKelvey (liturgies for reconciliation and healing)
Connect:
Substack: Gospel at a Glance
Instagram: gospelataglancepod
Email: gospelataglancepodcast@gmail.com
Keywords / Tags:
Beatitudes, Matthew 5:9, peacemakers, peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, grace, Sermon on the Mount, Christian devotional, Gospel reflection, spiritual formation
Hashtags:
#GospelAtAGlance #Beatitudes #Peacemakers #Peace #Reconciliation #Forgiveness #SermonOnTheMount #ChristianPodcast #Devotional #SpiritualFormation

Episode 23 - Matthew 5:8 - Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

Scripture: Matthew 5:8
Episode Overview:
This episode explores the sixth Beatitude: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” What does it mean to live with an undivided heart in a distracted world? We look at the Greek word katharos meaning clean, clear, or unmixed and discover that purity of heart is not about flawlessness but focus. Through translation comparison, word study, and reflection, this episode reveals that to be pure in heart is to live with authenticity, sincerity, and single-minded devotion to God. When our hearts are clear, we begin to see God everywhere.
Takeaways
Purity of heart means wholeness — a heart no longer divided by fear, pride, or pretense.
The pure in heart aren’t perfect people; they’re transparent people who love honestly.
Jesus blesses integrity over image, inner transformation over outward performance.
Seeing God is both a present and future promise: clarity now, fullness later.
The clearer the heart, the clearer the vision—purity opens our eyes to God’s presence in ordinary life.
Recommended Reading
Scripture Cross-References
Psalm 24:3-4 – “The one who has clean hands and a pure heart will stand in His holy place.”
Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
Matthew 23:25-28 – Warnings against outward religion without inner renewal.
1 Timothy 1:5 – Love comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.
1 John 3:2-3 – “We shall see Him as He is, and everyone who has this hope purifies themselves.”
Books & Devotionals
The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven — Amy-Jill Levine
The Divine Conspiracy — Dallas Willard
Celebration of Discipline — Richard Foster (chapters on simplicity and purity of heart)
Interior Castle — Teresa of Ávila (a classic on seeing God through inner purification)
Every Moment Holy, Vol. 1 — Douglas Kaine McKelvey (liturgies for clarity and renewal)
Connect
Substack: Gospel at a Glance
Instagram: gospelataglancepod
Email: gospelataglancepodcast@gmail.com
Keywords / Tags: 
Beatitudes, Matthew 5:8, pure in heart, seeing God, integrity, authentic faith, spiritual formation, Christian devotional, Sermon on the Mount, Gospel reflection
Hashtags:
#GospelAtAGlance #Beatitudes #PureInHeart #SeeingGod #Integrity #SermonOnTheMount #ChristianPodcast #Devotional #SpiritualFormation #Wholeness
 

Episode 22 - Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the Merciful

Scripture: Matthew 5:7
Episode Overview:
This episode reflects on Jesus’ fifth Beatitude: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”  Mercy is not weakness or pity—it’s love moving toward brokenness.  We explore the Greek word eleēmōn, meaning compassionate, tenderhearted, and forgiving, and discover that mercy is both gift and response.  Through translation comparison, word study, and reflection, this episode reveals how extending grace opens our hearts to receive it—because mercy always circles back.
Recommended Reading
Scripture Cross-References
Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
Micah 6:8 – “To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
Matthew 9:13 – “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
James 2:13 – “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Books & Devotionals
The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven — Amy-Jill Levine
The Divine Conspiracy — Dallas Willard
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers — Dane Ortlund
The Prodigal God — Tim Keller
Every Moment Holy, Vol. 2 — Douglas Kaine McKelvey (liturgy for forgiveness and mercy)
Connect: 
Gospel at a Glance Substack - Reflections inspired by transcribing the gospels.
Instagram
Email: gospelataglancepodcast@gmail.com 
 
Keywords / Tags:
Beatitudes, Matthew 5:7, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, grace, gentleness, Sermon on the Mount, Christian devotional, spiritual formation, Gospel reflection
Hashtags:
#GospelAtAGlance #Beatitudes #Mercy #Forgiveness #Compassion #Grace #SermonOnTheMount #ChristianPodcast #Devotional #SpiritualFormation

Episode 21 - Matthew 5.6 - Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Scripture: Matthew 5:6
Episode Overview:
This episode explores the fourth Beatitude: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” What does it mean to crave righteousness in a world that often settles for comfort or compromise? We look at the Greek word dikaiosynē—righteousness as both personal integrity and social justice—and discover that the hunger Jesus blesses is a holy restlessness for things to be made right. Through translation comparison, word study, and reflection, we see that this appetite for goodness is satisfied only by God Himself.
Recommended Reading
Scripture Cross-References
Psalm 107:9 – “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
Isaiah 58:6–12 – True fasting: justice, mercy, and renewal.
Amos 5:24 – “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
Romans 14:17 – The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Philippians 3:9 – Righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.
Books & Devotionals
The Divine Conspiracy — Dallas Willard
The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven — Amy-Jill Levine
Justice Calling: Where Passion Meets Perseverance — Bethany Hanke Hoang & Kristen Deede Johnson
The Prophetic Imagination — Walter Brueggemann
Every Moment Holy, Vol. 1 — Douglas Kaine McKelvey (liturgy for holy longing and renewal)
Connect: 
Gospel at a Glance Substack
Instagram
Email us: gospelataglancepodcast@gmail.com
 
Keywords / Tags:
Beatitudes, Matthew 5:6, righteousness, justice, hunger and thirst for God, spiritual formation, Christian devotional, Sermon on the Mount, kingdom of God, Gospel reflection
Hashtags:
#GospelAtAGlance #Beatitudes #Righteousness #Justice #SermonOnTheMount #FaithAndAction #ChristianPodcast #Devotional #SpiritualFormation #HolyRestlessness

Episode 20 - Matthew 5:5 - Blessed Are the Meek

Scripture: Matthew 5:5
Episode Overview:
This episode explores the third Beatitude: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” What does it mean to be meek in a world that rewards loudness and control? We look at the original Greek meaning of meekness—praus, strength under control—and discover how gentleness, humility, and trust in God’s timing form the heart of true power. Through translation comparison, word study, and reflection, this episode reveals that meekness isn’t weakness—it’s strength surrendered to love.
Reflection Questions:
How would you describe meekness in your own words?
Where do you notice pride, defensiveness, or control showing up in your life?
What might it look like to live with “quiet strength” this week?
How does trusting God’s timing free you from striving or grasping for control?
Recommended Reading
Scripture Cross-References
Psalm 37:11 – “The meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.”
Matthew 11:29 – “I am gentle and humble in heart.”
Philippians 2:3–8 – Christ’s humility and self-emptying love.
James 1:21 – Receive the word with meekness.
1 Peter 3:4 – The beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.
Books & Devotionals
The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven — Amy-Jill Levine
The Divine Conspiracy — Dallas Willard
The Cost of Discipleship — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers — Dane Ortlund
Every Moment Holy, Vol. 2: Death, Grief, and Hope — Douglas Kaine McKelvey (for reflections on surrender and peace)
Connect:
Questions or reflections to share? Email gospelataglancepodcast@gmail.com
 
Keywords / Tags:
Beatitudes, Matthew 5:5, meekness, humility, gentleness, strength under control, spiritual formation, Christian devotional, Gospel reflection, Sermon on the Mount
Hashtags:
#GospelAtAGlance #Beatitudes #BlessedAreTheMeek #GentleStrength #Humility #SermonOnTheMount #ChristianPodcast #Devotional #SpiritualFormation

Episode 19 - Matthew 5:4 - Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Scripture: Matthew 5:4
Episode Overview:
This episode explores one of Jesus’ most tender Beatitudes: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” What does it mean to find blessing in grief? Together we look at how mourning becomes holy ground—the place where God meets us with His presence rather than taking the pain away. Through translation comparison, word study, and reflection, we see that comfort is not the absence of sorrow but the nearness of the Comforter.
Reflection Questions:
What kind of mourning have you experienced lately—personal loss, disappointment, or compassion for a broken world?
How might God be inviting you to sense His comfort in the middle of that grief rather than after it’s gone?
In what ways can your experience of comfort help you comfort someone else?
Recommended Reading
Scripture Cross-References
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Isaiah 61:1–3 – Beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning.
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 – God comforts us so we can comfort others.
Romans 12:15 – “Mourn with those who mourn.”
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.”
Books & Devotionals
The Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven — Amy-Jill Levine
The Divine Conspiracy — Dallas Willard
Lament for a Son — Nicholas Wolterstorff
A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss — Jerry Sittser
Good Grief — Granger E. Westberg
Every Moment Holy, Vol. 1 — Douglas Kaine McKelvey (liturgies for loss and grief)
If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who might need the reminder that mourning can be holy ground—the very place where God’s love does its quietest work.
If you have questions or reflections, reach out to gospelataglance@gmail.com or share the podcast with a friend. 
 
Keywords / Tags:
Beatitudes, Matthew 5:4, those who mourn, comfort of God, lament, Holy Spirit Comforter, Christian devotional, faith in grief, spiritual formation, Gospel at a Glance
Hashtags:
#GospelAtAGlance #Beatitudes #ThoseWhoMourn #FaithAndGrief #ComfortOfGod #HolySpirit #ChristianPodcast #Devotional #BlessedAreThoseWhoMourn
 

Episode 18 - Matthew 5:3 - The Poor in Spirit

 
Scripture:
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (NIV)
Episode Summary
When Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount, His very first words turn the world upside down:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit.”
In this episode, we explore what poor in spirit truly means—not weakness or self-pity, but deep honesty about our dependence on God.
Most translations of this verse read almost the same, but the NLT and The Message expand the meaning, showing how those who realize their need for God are the ones who already live within His blessing.
Drawing from the word study in Episode 17, we see that to be blessed (makarios) is to be seen by God, sustained by His grace, and invited into His mission of restoration.
Jesus’ words remind us that the kingdom of heaven doesn’t start with the powerful or the polished—it begins with the humble and the honest.
Takeaways
“Poor in spirit” means recognizing your need for God.
The kingdom begins not with success, but surrender.
You are blessed not because you have it all together, but because God holds you together.
The emptier your hands, the more room there is for grace.
Recommended Reading & Sources
R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT) — Explains that “poor in spirit” describes those aware of their dependence on God.
Amy-Jill Levine & Marc Brettler, The Jewish Annotated New Testament — Links “poor in spirit” to humility and social vulnerability.
N. T. Wright, Matthew for Everyone — Emphasizes that the kingdom belongs to those who rely on God, not themselves.
Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy — Interprets the Beatitudes as descriptions of who is already blessed in God’s kingdom.
About the Podcast
Gospel at a Glance walks through the Gospels one short passage at a time, finding depth, challenge, and comfort in just a few verses.
Follow for daily reflections that invite you to see how the kingdom of God still breaks into ordinary life.
📩 Connect: gospelataglancepodcast@gmail.com
Keywords
Beatitudes, Matthew 5, Sermon on the Mount, poor in spirit, kingdom of heaven, grace, dependence on God, Jesus teaching, gospel reflection
Hashtags
#GospelAtAGlance #Beatitudes #SermonOnTheMount #Matthew5 #PoorInSpirit #Blessed #Grace #KingdomOfHeaven #ChristianPodcast #FaithInPractice

Episode 17 - Word Study - Blessed (Makarios)

Scripture:
Matthew 5:1-3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (NIV)
Episode Summary
Before we walk through each Beatitude, this special word-study episode pauses to ask a foundational question:
What does “blessed” really mean?
In English, blessed can sound like “lucky,” “happy,” or “rewarded,” but the Greek word Jesus uses—makarios—points to something far deeper.
Makarios describes the flourishing life that comes from living in the presence and favor of God.
It isn’t a prize for good behavior; it’s a declaration of divine reality.
When Jesus calls someone blessed, He’s not telling them what to do—He’s revealing who they already are in God’s eyes.
To be blessed is to be seen by God, sustained by His grace, and invited into His mission of restoration.
This episode lays the foundation for the Beatitudes that follow, showing that every “blessed” statement in Matthew 5 is a window into how heaven’s kingdom touches ordinary, imperfect lives.
Takeaways
Makarios means more than happiness—it signals divine recognition and participation in God’s life.
The Beatitudes are descriptions, not instructions.
Blessing isn’t about having everything together; it’s about belonging to the One who holds everything together.
You can be blessed in weakness, loss, or waiting—because grace meets you there.
Recommended Reading & Sources
William Barclay, The Beatitudes and the Lord’s Prayer for Everyman — Explains makarios as “a joy that no circumstance can ever take away.”
R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT) — Defines makarios as the state of one who is favored by God’s rule.
Amy-Jill Levine & Marc Brettler, The Jewish Annotated New Testament — Notes how makarios echoes Hebrew concepts of divine favor and covenant faithfulness.
N. T. Wright, Matthew for Everyone — Shows how the Beatitudes describe heaven’s reality breaking into daily life.
About the Podcast
Gospel at a Glance walks through the Gospels one short passage at a time, finding depth, challenge, and comfort in just a few verses.
Follow for daily reflections that invite you to see how the kingdom of God still breaks into ordinary life.
📩 Connect: gospelataglancepodcast@gmail.com
Keywords
Word study, makarios, Beatitudes, Matthew 5, Sermon on the Mount, Greek New Testament, divine blessing, grace, kingdom of heaven
Hashtags
#GospelAtAGlance #Beatitudes #Makarios #WordStudy #Blessed #Matthew5 #SermonOnTheMount #Grace #KingdomOfHeaven #ChristianPodcast

Episode 16 - Matthew 4:23-25 - Healing and Hope

Scripture: Matthew 4:23-25 (NIV)
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them.
Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
 
Episode Summary
In these closing verses of Matthew 4, the story pivots from Jesus calling a few followers to the beginning of his public ministry.
Matthew shows us Jesus teaching minds, awakening hearts, and restoring bodies. He's revealing a kingdom that reaches every part of life.
Three key movements in this passage:
Teaching, Proclaiming, Healing — the rhythm of Jesus’ work and the model for ours.
Crossing Boundaries — compassion that reaches beyond region or status.
Healing as Restoration — love that brings the forgotten back to full life.
The episode ends with a look at how this same rhythm continues today whenever we teach truth, speak hope, and offer mercy.
 
Takeaways
The kingdom reaches every part of life: mind, body, and spirit.
Jesus’ compassion crosses boundaries of culture and status.
Healing reveals God’s heart to restore what’s been broken.
We reflect that kingdom whenever we notice pain and respond with gentleness and care.
 Recommended Reading & Sources
The HarperCollins Study Bible – notes that Jesus’ pattern of teaching, proclaiming, and healing structures the Gospel of Matthew.
The Jewish Annotated New Testament – highlights how Jesus’ ministry already reaches beyond Israel, foreshadowing the Gospel’s global scope.
The Oxford Annotated Bible – explains that healing restores both health and belonging within the community.
R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT) – explores how Jesus’ authority in word and deed prepares for the Sermon on the Mount.
N. T. Wright, Matthew for Everyone – describes Jesus’ miracles as visible signs of God’s renewing love.
Amy-Jill Levine – observes that Jesus’ welcome of those considered impure redefines holiness as compassion.
Rodney Stark, The Rise of Christianity – details how early Christian care for the sick stood out in the Roman world.
Gary B. Ferngren, Medicine and Health Care in Early Christianity – contrasts Greco-Roman attitudes toward the sick with the Christian vision of mercy.
About the Podcast
Gospel at a Glance walks through the gospels one short passage at a time, finding depth, challenge, and comfort in just a few verses.
Follow for weekly reflections that invite you to see how the kingdom of God still breaks into ordinary life.
 
Connect: gospelataglancepodcast@gmail.com
 
Keywords
Matthew 4:23-25, Jesus heals, Galilee ministry, Gospel of Matthew, teaching proclaiming healing, kingdom of God, miracles of Jesus, Sermon on the Mount intro, compassion of Christ, Christian podcast, Bible study, faith reflection, Gospel at a Glance Podcast
Hashtags
#GospelAtAGlance #HealingAndHope #Matthew4 #JesusHeals #BibleStudy #FaithPodcast #ChristianPodcast #KingdomOfGod #CompassionOfChrist #SermonOnTheMount #BibleReflection #SpiritualGrowth #EverydayFaith