We gather for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany and we will hear and reflect on Jesus sharing the message of God's blessings, often known as the Beatitudes. This Scripture lesson is from the beginning of chapter five of Matthew's Gospel account, and the start of a two chapter section known as "The Sermon on the Mount." Throughout the next few weeks, the Gospel lessons read in worship will be from Jesus' well-known sermon. Jesus is preaching a new understanding as he tells his followers that God blesses them as live as God's children, oftentimes thirsting for God, or mournful, or persecuted. How might one live a seemingly difficult life, yet be blesses and happy at the same time?
Our Scripture passage is found in the Gospel according to Matthew. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (Matthew 5:1-12).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Read the assigned Scripture lesson for the week. What thoughts, images, or phrases came to your mind while reading the lesson?
Read the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below. Reflect on the first sentence in the paragraph, that states "the Beatitudes are not entrance requirements for the kingdom but blessings." What does that statement mean to you?
Read the "WHERE..." paragraph below and reflect on the author's insight that "blessed" could also be translated as "happy." What does that mean to you, and does it change your thinking of the lesson Jesus is teaching?
Read the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below and reflect on Jesus' life, which was often a life filled with simplicity, hopefulness, and compassion. How does the life of Jesus give you insight to the author's words in this paragraph?
