2.9.20 - The Unexpected Examples of the Beatitudes (Matt Murphy)

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:1-12 (read NIV and The Message)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins to radically redefine both our expectations of God and God’s expectations of us. In the a list of teachings called “The Beatitudes,” Jesus teaches about blessing, or how the favor of God brings wholeness. He says that we are most blessed, or most whole, when we are least reliant on ourselves. It is in those moments of humility, trust, care, and even persecution that we are brought most close to God; where we are blessed and made most whole. 

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. In The Message, pastor Eugene Peterson translates Matthew 5:3 to read, “You are blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and his rule.” What does it mean for there to be less of you? When have you seen this truth play out in your life?

  2. The Beatitudes are: Blessed are the poor in spirit, Blessed are those who mourn, Blessed are the meek, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, Blessed are the merciful, Blessed are the pure in heart, Blessed are the peacemakers, Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness. In your life, where have you felt blessed? What was your mindset? How did that blessing line up with the Beatitudes?

  3. Where are you experiencing dissonance with God? Is there a mindset you need to adjust to experience His blessing in that area?

Kenny Camacho