Scripture
Matthew 5:1-12 (ESV)
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.
[12] Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Questions for Reflection
- What was the setting for this sermon? (5:1)
- Who was Jesus addressing? (5:1-2)
- How does it pay in the present to walk with God?
- What do you think it means to be poor in spirit?
- What does it mean to be meek?
- How would a person behave if he or she were hungering and thirsting after righteousness?
- What are some examples of showing mercy?
- How does society’s list of admirable virtues compare and contrast with these kingdom virtues?