Matthew 5:1-2 Beatitudes Introduction

  1. Read Matthew 5:1-2. Who are the main characters in this scene? If you are in a group with children (or young-at-heart adults!) consider dividing up and acting out these two verses. Why do you think Jesus went up on the mountain? If you were there that day, which group would you be in and why?

  2. “Discipleship happens in the context of the crowd.” In what way do you feel comfortable living out your faith in front of others? In what ways is it uncomfortable?

  3. Read Matthew 5:3-12. Why do you think Jesus framed these Kingdom values as blessings? What does it reflect about the heart of God toward his people?

  4. Take a moment to reflect on the character qualities and corresponding promises of each beatitude. Is there one that is particularly attractive to you? One that is particularly challenging or confusing? Share with the group.

  5. How do we conform to the standard set in these verses? In Sunday’s sermon, Robb mentioned 3 ways. Which is most challenging for you personally?

    • Behold him and keep beholding. (1 John 3:2)

    • Repent and Believe (Mark 1:15)

    • Lean in to community (2 Corinthians 3:18)

  6. “The beatitudes sketch out for us the character of Christ himself.” Spend time together as a group in worship, praising Jesus for the holy King we find him to be in these verses.

FOR FURTHER STUDY

  • A NOTE ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN:
    ”Many scholars think that Matthew probably recalls Moses' revelation on Mount Sinai (Exo_19:3) here. If so, Jesus' superior revelation also makes him superior to those who "sit in Moses' seat" (Mat_23:2); the One greater than Moses, first encountered in Mat_2:13-20, has begun his mission.”
    © 1997 by Craig S. Keener, IVP New Testament Commentary.

  • For a 41 day personal devotional on the Beatitudes: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/17207-love-god-greatly-beatitudes

Robb EsperatComment