Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1-12

Questions for Discussion: 1. How does our culture usually define someone as being "blessed?" What does that typically look like? 2. How is Jesus' definition and description of who is really "blessed" so different from ours? Read through the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). Which ones make sense to you? Which ones do not? Why? 3. What do you think it means to be 'poor in spirit?' Why would that be a blessing? How is being 'poor in spirit' somehow connected with receiving the Kingdom of Heaven? 4. Why does our culture not value 'mourning' (v.4)? What is gained by mourning? Why is it important? Do you think God mourns? What would he mourn over? 5. If there was an attitude in this scripture which you would like to develop and cultivate in your life, which one would it be and why? 6. In what ways can I live out the values, attitudes, and priorities of the Kingdom of Heaven in my sphere of influence this summer?