Slices
Prepare
What do you think the expectations of Jesus’ disciples were when they started following him?
Bible passage
Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount
5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said:
3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Explore
It was a needy crowd who followed Jesus (Matthew 4:23–25). Looking out on them, Jesus sat down and began to teach his disciples (vs 1,2). What he said was surprising.
His words weren’t laws like the ones Moses had given on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20); rather they described principles and attitudes of the heart that were to characterise the lives of his followers. Surprisingly, he said that the motley crowd represented those who are blessed by God (vs 1–11). God may bless any of us with health and wealth. But these are not to be the goals of his disciples. The prophet Jeremiah had talked about how God’s future blessing would be an inward‑knowing of God’s Law (Jeremiah 31:33). Here, Jesus began to explain what this means for his disciples.
In this upside-down kingdom, poverty of spirit recognises that we are rich because we belong to God’s kingdom (v 3). God himself will comfort those who mourn (v 4). Those who have little will inherit the riches of God (v 5). Hunger and thirst (for God) will be satisfied (v 6). Generosity, mercy towards others, purity of heart, peace-making (vs 7–9) – all characteristics of God’s kingdom – bring blessing from him. And sometimes these will bring persecution as they have done for others (v 12). But rejoice! Living like this, Jesus’ disciples would discover God’s joy, their place in his kingdom and surprising happiness.
Respond
Think about your life in the light of Jesus’ words. Pray that you will be surprised by God’s blessing today.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 24,25; Matthew 9
Pray for Scripture Union
As the 20 Local Mission Partners in the south region start a new year, pray for fresh energy, passion and strength for the workers, trustees and volunteers. Pray too for new opportunities across schools and communities among young people, teachers and parents.
