The Real Jesus: The Beattitudes - Week 3

Week of February 9
Matthew 5:5

This year in House Church we will be reading and discussing the Gospel of Matthew to better understand who Jesus is and what he has done.

Matthew was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples and he left his profession as a tax collector to follow Him. The purpose of his gospel was to give evidence to his Jewish brothers that Jesus was the one they had been looking for. He wanted them (and us) to see that Jesus was the long awaited messiah and King.  He would be the one to make all things right, and restore the broken relationship between God and man. Matthew’s life was radically transformed by an encounter with Jesus, and our prayer is that through this study you will encounter The Real  Jesus through His word, and be transformed just like Matthew.

These questions are written to be used during our house church meetings. If you find yourself unable or attend a gathering this week we encourage you to use these questions at home to sink more deeply into this series.

Opening Question(s):

1. Is there a time in your life where you feel like you "made it", or had an achievement that you are extremely proud of? 
2. Who is someone in your life that models success for you? 
3. How do you define success?  
   

Read and Reflect: Read Matthew 5:5

1. How do you define meekness? Do you feel like the world values this quality? 
2. In our last few meetings we've seen that attributes that are not always celebrated in the world are highly valued in God's kingdom. Why do you think that is?  
3. Theologian, Martin Lloyd-Jones' teaching on this passage reminds us that the Jews at the time of Jesus were looking for a conquering King to come in militarily, and lead a conquest of the world. This beattitude suggests something else entirely. How do you think an attitude of Meekness might result in conquest? 
4.  Read Matthew 18:1-4. Jesus reiterates the point about humility, and how those who consider themselves as less, will be great in the Kingdom of heaven. How can we demonstrate this idea of meekness in our daily lives and work? 
5. A great example of this trait is Moses. Read Exodus 14:13-14. If God is fighting for us, where should our focus be, and what actions can we take? 
6. What's an area of your life where you can exhibit meekness, where you've been striving to be on top or assert your own dominance? 

RECAP: Being poor in spirit results in understanding that we are not deserving of God's love, yet He gives it freely - Leads to Mourning our sin that we have in our lives - Leads to Meekness  as we humble ourselves and realize that God is the one working out His great plan for our lives.  

Prayer:
Pray for the families in your house church and the people on your top 5 cards.