Blessed: Matthew 5:3

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” What is life in God’s kingdom and under his rule like? Jesus is inviting people into a way of living that will not only produce true flourishing in the here and now, but also in the age to come. He does so while declaring some of the most counter-rational statements on what it means to be happy.

Respond:

• Do you tend to see the Beatitudes as a list of attributes to pursue? If so, how might the context, culture and reflection of this passage challenge that idea?

• The Beatitudes were rooted in an ancient Jewish tradition. Some teachers taught about ways to flourish in the world that seemed to be contrary to what Jesus taught. What are some beatitudes that may be taught from Forbes, wall street elites? Do they align with the good news or flourishing that Jesus announces? If not, how might you be able to announce the good news in the way you live, speak and befriend others?

• As you wrestle with ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Spirit can reshape and cause a reversal in our perspective. Ask the Holy Spirit to apply this beatitude as a lens through which you see the people around you.