Big Idea

Disciples of Jesus adopt his upside-down way of thinking as they follow him in the ways of his Kingdom.

Scripture

Matthew 5:1-13

Opening Questions

1. How have you been able to B.L.E.S.S. someone recently?
2. If you were stranded on a desert island, which three people would you most want to join you?
3. When Jesus taught, especially in the beatitudes, we see Jesus flipped people’s expectations upside down. The Big Idea for today is that “disciples of Jesus adopt his upside-down way of thinking as they follow him in the ways of his Kingdom. Have you ever had a time when you thought God was calling you to live an upside-down kind of life?

Bible Discussion

4. Read Matthew 5:1-13. Jesus isn’t expounding virtues everyone should pursue to gain a blessing from God. Instead, try reading each statement as an announcement of good news to the people listening to what he was saying. Look at the supplemental page of the guide and read through the material on each beatitude. What impact do you think these statements had on the people addressed in each one? How do they strike you today?
5. The Beatitudes are a counter-intuitive announcement of the good news of the Kingdom of God that was before the people in the person of Jesus. They are good news announcements, not to-do’s. In what ways are Jesus’ announcements of “good news” to each group addressed?

Life Application

6. As you read the list of beatitudes, how does it make you feel? Are there any that you disagree with or don’t understand why Jesus used?
7. The beatitudes are good news announcements to those who have been left behind – those considered unimportant or overlooked. Imagine how they felt when Jesus mentioned them and their circumstance and said you are “blessed. God is on your side.”
8. Whom do you know that needs to hear an announcement of good news? How can we live today in ways that announce this good news to others?

Challenge

Jesus thought and taught in an upside-down way of thinking in his world and our world today. As we approach this week, look for moments and opportunities to turn your thinking upside down and see it from the perspective of Jesus. Focus on a particular beatitude and pray daily about how the Spirit can lead you in this area. Be ready to discuss this with the group next week.