BIG PICTURE: Who are the blessed ones? Jesus’ thoughts run contrary to most. It’s the pure-hearted, peacemaking, persecuted ones who reap the kingdom blessings. Blessed are those who enter and enjoy this upside down kingdom!

TEXT: Matthew 5:1-12

KEY VERSES: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matt 5:8-10

The Sermon on the Mount encourages and convicts us! But the most incredible thing we glean from this passage is a better picture of Jesus, His authority, and a deeper appreciation for the supernatural divinity residing in each Christ follower. It is He, flowing through us, that accomplishes anything “good” we do. —Meg Bucher

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART

“Pure in heart” is to desire God

all others.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. —James 4:8

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. —Psalm 51:10

We see only what we are

of seeing.

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS

Peacemaking isn’t “

Reveal Answer

;” it’s wading into the middle of the mess to initiate reconciliation and peace.

“In a world so torn apart by rivalry, anger, and hatred, we have the privileged vocation to be living signs of a love that can bridge all divisions and heal all wounds.” —Henri Nouwen

“You look like your

.”

BLESSED ARE THE PERSECUTED

Being

is not the same as being persecuted.
The Jesus solution –

Reveal Answer

.

“It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their [the communists’ ] terms. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching. They were happy beating us, so everyone was happy.” —Richard Wurmbrand, Tortured for Christ

Richard and Sabina Wurbrand Testimonial video: Tortured for Christ

NEXT STEPS: What spiritual practice helps draw you closer to Jesus? How can you increase this week? Where can you be the peacemaker in the midst of turmoil in the world?