Matthew 5:3-12
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION ®. NIV®. COPYRIGHT © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by
Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
What does it look like to be radically transformed by the gospel? What are kingdom citizens like? In the sermon on the mount, Jesus introduces us to the characteristics of his followers. He offers eight descriptions that help us to understand who kingdom citizens are, what they are like, and why they are so blessed.
discussion Questions
- What do you learn about God in the following beatitudes?
- “Blessed are the poor in spirit”
- “Blessed are those who mourn”
- “Blessed are the meek”
- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”
- What do you learn about relating to others in the following beatitudes?
- “Blessed are the merciful”
- “Blessed are the pure in heart”
- “Blessed are the peacemakers”
- What do you learn about how the world will relate to believers who faithfully serve the Lord in the final beatitude?
- “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness”
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