the Beatitudes

Opening Question: What one of the greatest blessing you have ever experienced?

Introduction: In Matthew 5:1-13, Jesus teaches The Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are a series of blessings, with a promise attached to each one. The promises are experienced as we put our faith in Jesus and obey him.

Read the following out loud, and then again silently:

Jesus saw the crowds. So he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him. Then he began to teach them. He said,

(3)“Blessed are those who are spiritually needy. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

Blessed are those who are sad. They will be comforted.

Blessed are those who are free of pride. They will be given the earth.

Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for what is right. They will be filled.

Blessed are those who show mercy. They will be shown mercy.

Blessed are those whose hearts are pure. They will see God.

Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

Blessed are you when people make fun of you and hurt you because of me. You are also blessed when they tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be joyful and glad. Your reward in heaven is great. In the same way, people hurt the prophets who lived long ago.”

Discuss the following:
1. Starting with verse 3, explain each blessing and the promise that goes with it.
2. Which promise do you think is the greatest of all? Explain.
3. Which blessing sounds the most difficult to experience, and why?
4. Have you experienced any of these blessings in your life?
5. Which blessing do you want to experience more consistently in your life?