Matthew 5:1-10 "Beatitudes"
We hear the word “blessed” a lot. #Blessed is used as a label when life is good. We equate being blessed with feeling happy. But the biblical concept of blessing is radically different from this modern take. See this past faith practice, I Will Bless You, for more about the concept of biblical blessing. This month’s foundational scripture is the beatitudes, and it points to ways of being that help us to follow God. When we are hungry for righteousness, for example, we are open to being filled by God. These ways of being are postures that open us to God’s gifts. Notice with your children that these “blessings” are very different from what our world sometimes tells us blessings should be. The poor in spirit aren’t rewarded with a fancy house, but with the kingdom of heaven. These beatitudes point to being in touch with our feelings and those of others, even when those feelings aren’t happiness - and the blessing is there, in the midst of all of all the feelings.
Read It
Matthew 5:1-10
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, 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 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 receive 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 for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, 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 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 receive 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 for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Memorize It
Choose the beatitude (verse) that feels the most relevant to your family’s situation or your community. If you’re struggling to choose one, start with verse 9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Or get ambitious and memorize all of it!
Do It
Beatitudes Poster:
As a family, find pictures of people you know who match these descriptions - or if you don’t know people, find pictures online or in a magazine. Use the words if you like, or just the pictures.
Being:
Choose a beatitude to live by for a day, eventually making your way through all of them. Read the verse at the beginning of the day, talking about ways you might practice this beatitude. End your day by talking about what you noticed. Here are some ideas of places to start:
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: Do without something for the day - electricity, electronic devices, meat, running water… Notice how it affected you throughout the day.
2. Blessed are those who mourn: Open your eyes to sadness, and instead of turning away from it, empathize. Notice how you give and receive comfort that day.
3. Blessed are the meek: Look for ways to help others and put others first. Listen thoroughly to another’s point of view. Notice how you feel and what you learn.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: Take time to be aware of injustice, and allow yourself to feel angry about it. Picture and imagine how these situations should be. Notice the sense of agency (being able to create change, empowerment) that comes from this.
5. Blessed are the merciful: When others make you mad or frustrated today, look at them and tell them God loves them before you do anything else. Work to see each person today the way God sees them. Notice how your heart changes.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart: Take a retreat day as a family. Set aside distractions, and instead enjoy nature, read Bible stories, share meals, create art, run, and play. Each hour, pause and pray, “My heart belongs to you, Jesus.” Notice how the day felt different - and notice the difference it makes in the days to come when you take a day to hit the family reset button.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: When you are involved in conflict today (whether you’re the mediator or actually in the fighting), begin your resolution by saying, “The peace of Christ be with you.” Then practice listening and expressing feelings as you work out the conflict. Notice the difference this made in the tone of your interactions.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: Learn about people who are facing persecution because of following Jesus, whether this is people around the world or something closer to home. Be conscious of how this makes you feel. Pray that God will help your family to be strong when faced with persecution.
As a family, find pictures of people you know who match these descriptions - or if you don’t know people, find pictures online or in a magazine. Use the words if you like, or just the pictures.
Being:
Choose a beatitude to live by for a day, eventually making your way through all of them. Read the verse at the beginning of the day, talking about ways you might practice this beatitude. End your day by talking about what you noticed. Here are some ideas of places to start:
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: Do without something for the day - electricity, electronic devices, meat, running water… Notice how it affected you throughout the day.
2. Blessed are those who mourn: Open your eyes to sadness, and instead of turning away from it, empathize. Notice how you give and receive comfort that day.
3. Blessed are the meek: Look for ways to help others and put others first. Listen thoroughly to another’s point of view. Notice how you feel and what you learn.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: Take time to be aware of injustice, and allow yourself to feel angry about it. Picture and imagine how these situations should be. Notice the sense of agency (being able to create change, empowerment) that comes from this.
5. Blessed are the merciful: When others make you mad or frustrated today, look at them and tell them God loves them before you do anything else. Work to see each person today the way God sees them. Notice how your heart changes.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart: Take a retreat day as a family. Set aside distractions, and instead enjoy nature, read Bible stories, share meals, create art, run, and play. Each hour, pause and pray, “My heart belongs to you, Jesus.” Notice how the day felt different - and notice the difference it makes in the days to come when you take a day to hit the family reset button.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: When you are involved in conflict today (whether you’re the mediator or actually in the fighting), begin your resolution by saying, “The peace of Christ be with you.” Then practice listening and expressing feelings as you work out the conflict. Notice the difference this made in the tone of your interactions.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: Learn about people who are facing persecution because of following Jesus, whether this is people around the world or something closer to home. Be conscious of how this makes you feel. Pray that God will help your family to be strong when faced with persecution.