Sermon on the Mount Pt. 1

I'm preparing to facilitate a Bible study on the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7 this fall. It is a familiar passage in a sense that segments of it are verses that I have memorized. The Lord's prayer is part of this sermon a long with  many familiar or frequently quoted verses.However in my recollection I have  never studied it through as an adult.   When I was a teenager. My father preached through this sermon, but I must admit, I wasn't paying attention like I should.
I do remember, during that time my dad was preaching through that passage, he and  I took a ride together.  While driving my dad worked with me on quoting the Beattitudes. He would quote one and then have me quote it along with him and then we would add a new one to the previous verses. This is a precious memory to me.

This time as I am studying through the Beattitudes I'm looking for more than just memorization.  
What do these verses really mean? Who are the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek (gentle), the ones that hunger and thirst for righteousness?  What about these folks who are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake?

After reading and cross referencing, here is my "renaming"  or paraphrasing of the beattitude phrases.

Matthew 5: 1-11 NASB

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn (grieve over their own sin), for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the gentle (strength in control or emptied of one self), for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (crave right-mindedness), for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful (compassionate), for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart (striving for holiness), for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers (intercessors/mediators-not just a peacekeeper but a peacemaker) , for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness  (face torment for the sake of Christ), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

(emphasis mine)

How long has it been since you read through the Sermon on the Mount?  I challenge you to take some time and read through it and study it at a deeper level. 

Blessings!