The Real Jesus: The Beattitudes - Week 8
Week of May 4th
Matthew 5:10-12
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):
Read and Reflect: Read Matthew 5:10-12
Prayer:
Pray for the families in your house church and the people on your top 5 cards.
Matthew 5:10-12
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):
- Do you feel like you have ever experienced persecution for your faith? Share a few stories with the group.
- Looking back, do you think any of the criticism or persecution you faced was because of your own fault or actions?
- What are some stories of persecution of Christians that you've seen or heard recently?
Read and Reflect: Read Matthew 5:10-12
- As you read this, what stands out to you in the passage? Jesus qualifies the type of persecution that results in "Blessing". What does it mean to be persecuted "For righteousness sake"? How is that different from anything else we may experience in the way of persecution?
- These verses bookend "The Beatitudes" along with the first verse, "Blessed are the poor in spirit". Both remind us that believers will belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. As you look at the preceding verses, why do you think Jesus makes a point to come back to "the Kingdom".
- As we wrap up our study on the beatitudes, do you think these remarks by Jesus are prescriptive (something we must do to become a Christian) or descriptive (Something that describes a Christian)?
- Does this mean we shouldn't strive to follow these principles in our daily life?
- Take some time to pray for Christians around the world who are truly being persecuted for their faith.
Prayer:
Pray for the families in your house church and the people on your top 5 cards.
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