The Way Of The King.
Week #2: Jesus On The Unlikely Route To Blessing.
Opening Reflection.
Where have you seen God’s Kingdom at work in your life this week?
Or how have you experienced The Way of The King in your life this week?
Share any brief examples and encouragements.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 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. ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:1-11
1. In our culture, what kind of people are hailed as the blessed, the best, the winners?
(think about who gets celebrated, who people aspire to be like, who is seen as successful at life.)
2. How does this get communicated and promoted by our media or education or society?
3. How does our culture’s list of ‘Blessed’ people differ from Jesus’ list of blessed people?
4. How do you feel about Jesus’ list of blessed people? Is it good news or bad news to you?
(Would you prefer any other categories to be mentioned by Jesus? If so, what are they?)
5. How do you feel about the contrast of our culture’s Winners’ Script that has clearly defined steps towards a blessed and successful life, and the gospel’s insistence that even a blessed life includes things like mourning, persecution, and desperation?
Ask someone to read this quote out to the group.
HEIDI BAKER
Poor in spirit is a posturing of the heart rather than an economic position. From Harvard to Mozambique, God visits those who want Him… I believe Jesus meant that poor in spirit is a posturing of the heart where one is wholly given, fully yielded, completely desperate, and totally dependent on God alone. The Lord wants to cause even the rich and the middle class to be poor in spirit and know that they are in total need of him… I believe being poor in spirit is a choice, a decision, we all have to make to go lower still, fully dependent on the One who is always dependable.
1. What does it look like to choose a heart posture of dependence, desperation, yielding, surrender?
2. Can you share your experiences of feeling poor in spirit, or mourning, or hungering for things to change, (etc) and how God met you in that?
Closing Reflection.
What elements of the Kingdom of God from this passage would you like to see more of in your life over this next week?
Is there anything you will take away from this study and discussion? What has stood out that you can take into your week ahead?
Pray together (in pairs or small groups) for each other, in response to your answers.
