Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he began to speak and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

After reading the Beatitudes, discuss these questions:

• How do the “blessed” statements in the first half of verses three through twelve relate to the promises in the second half of the verses?
• How are verses three and ten related?  
• How are Jesus’ words in this section describing what disciples already do? How are Jesus’ words saying what disciples should do?  
• Glance through the rest of the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7). How does this passage introduce and prepare for the rest of what Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount?
• How do the qualities described in this passage compare with qualities that are often prized in our society?  
• Whom do you know that best exemplifies the qualities of the Beatitudes?

Micah 6:1-8
Psalm 15
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Matthew 5:1-12