Introduction -- Matthew 4: 23 – 5:2 (NIV)

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes -- Matthew 5: 3 – 10 (NIV)

He said: “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 be shown 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 because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

What do the Beatitudes mean?

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

These are people who are humble and who do not think of themselves more highly than they ought. Jesus once said that whoever humbles himself as a little child would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In the book of Proverbs we read that a man's pride will bring him down, but a lowly spirit will bring him honor.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Many things happen to us in life that may cause us grief, but God will comfort us when we turn to Him. A person must also mourn, or be sad when he/she does things that make God sad because of disobedience.

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

Meekness is also about humility. Moses was described as a meek person. He knew that whatever he accomplished was not by his own power, but by the power which God gave him.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."

A hungry baby will cry for milk. We also should be hungry to learn what God wants us to do. The Bible tells us of the things that please God, and that is where we get our spiritual "food".

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

The person who is merciful is kind and forgiving. This person is not hateful toward others, but looks for the good qualities in people.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God"

We can be pure in heart if we fill our minds with good thoughts. If we listen to the evil things of the world, our hearts and minds will become defiled and dirty. We need to be careful of the things we watch, read, and hear.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God"

Do you encourage people to get along and to be friends? If so, you are a peacemaker. Where peace is concerned, you can be part of the problem, or part of the solution. Be a peacemaker.

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

We must stand up for what is right even if it means making someone angry or upset with us. Sometimes this is a hard thing to do, but it is pleasing to God.

Source: http://gardenofpraise.com/bibl42s.htm

Discussion questions:

1. 1. What does Beatitude mean?

   2. What does it mean to be humble?

   3. What is the blessing for the humble person who is poor in spirit?

   4. What is humility? How is a person with humility blessed?

   5. How is a sad person blessed?

   6. What happens to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness?

   7. How will those who are merciful be blessed?

   8. What is the blessing for those who are pure in heart?

   9. What is the blessing for the peacemakers?

   10. What is the reward for those who suffer even when they are doing right?