An Unexpected Resolution...Yes, today’s scripture sets an unbelievably high standard! How in the world can this “blessed” state be realized? God incarnate, Jesus, shines His light into what a fruitful, spirit-filled life might look like.
Jesus just told His followers in Matthew 4:17b, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is near.” This direction was familiar. It was the mantra of all of the true prophets of the Old Testament.
Yet, these verses made an old direction spring forth in a new way. Jesus was paving the path to Himself. Find Him. Find His ways. Find His Spirit. Truly His sovereign arms are waiting. Knock and the door will be opened to this “blessed” life!
Matthew 5:1-11
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ What was the setting? Who was the teacher/prophet? Who was there? When did this take place in Jesus’s ministry. [v1-2]
+ What do you know about the Kingdom of Heaven? How does it affect the way you live? [v3]
+ Jesus shares a series of “Blessed are…” What does it mean to you to be blessed?
+ What “blessed” lives does the world have to offer? How have these “offerings” proved empty?
+ What is promised to those who are “poor in spirit?” [v3]
+ What is being mourned in verse 4? What have you been mourning? What is the associated promise?
+ Ask Google the definition of meek. How is it different than our culture has made it to be?
+ How does Jesus epitomize meekness in your opinion?
+ What is promised to the “meek?”
+ Hunger is a strong verb. Who do you know who “hungers for righteousness?”
+ How can you do the same? What might it look like in your sphere of influence?
+ Mercy is a good idea in theory. Jesus put in practice. (Think the woman at the well, the centurion, his mom! Turning water into wine...and on and on and on) How might you be merciful today? Where might you ask for power to be merciful? [vs7]
+ David was a man after God’s own heart! Jesus is a greater David. What is promised to those who run to Jesus to have a genuine relationship? [vs 8]
+ Peacemakers are a blessing. Who do you know personally that has modeled peacemaking? Why might it be easier to cause dissension? How can you and I repent of dissenting and run to the light of peacemaking? Why might want to ask God for His Spirit to do this? [vs 9]
+ Persecution comes in many forms. How might Jesus’s disciples experienced persecution? How did John the Baptist specifically experience it? How about Jesus? How about you? How about other Christians you might know and pray for overseas? What is promised? [vs 10]
+ He was despised...rejected...oppressed...afflicted...familiar with suffering…cut-off (Isaiah 53). When this happens to you...remember! As verse 11 says, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely...because of me.”
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ What is your practice with regards to repentance?
+ How are turning from the world and running to Jesus?
+ How are you leading others to do the same?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Modeling is POWERFUL...who are you modeling repentance for today?
+ How are you praying for the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the righteous, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted? Are you praying for yourself as well?