Trinity/After Pentecost · All Saints' Day
Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes
November 1, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
The narrative introduction to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (5:1–2) indicates that Jesus’ disciples are the more focused audience of the sermon, with the crowds as recipients who, in a sense, listen in (7:28–29). The first segment of the sermon (5:3–16) focuses on a description of Jesus’ followers as they begin experiencing the arrival of God’s kingdom; Jesus’ commands to his followers do not begin until 5:17 (see the sidebar “Outline for the Sermon on the Mount”). The beatitudes (5:3–12) indicate the great reversals that God’s kingdom is bringing about and will usher in. These blessings will be enacted in Jesus’ healing ministry (chaps. 8–9). A contrasting set of woes will be spoken in chapter 23. The beatitudes along with the description of Jesus’ followers as salt and light, emphasizing their missional purpose, set the tone for the rest of the Sermon on the Mount by introducing themes of covenant faithfulness and the inauguration of God’s kingdom.
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Commentary
Matthew 5:1–12 (Gospel) Working Preacher
Weekly exegesis of the Gospel by a named seminary scholar.
Revelation 7:9–17 (Old Testament) Working Preacher
The great multitude no one can number, before the throne.
1 John 3:1–3 (Epistle) Working Preacher
“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God.”
Blessing Comes First: SALT's Commentary for All Saints' Day SALT Project
Reads the Beatitudes as consolation announcing God's reversal of the world's hierarchies of status.
Matthew 5:1–12 Center for Excellence in Preaching
The Beatitudes as a here-and-now call, refusing any split between heaven and earth.
Living the Beatitudes Catholic Digest
A Roman Catholic All Saints reflection presenting the Beatitudes as a pattern for holy living.
Background & Word Study
Questions preachers ask
Why are the Beatitudes read on All Saints?
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12) describe the character of the people of God, the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, and pronounce them blessed. On All Saints they name the communion of the faithful of every age, joined to the great multitude of Revelation 7.
When is All Saints observed?
All Saints’ Day is November 1 (often transferred to the following Sunday). In Year A the Revised Common Lectionary appoints Matthew 5:1–12 with Revelation 7:9–17 and 1 John 3:1–3.
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