INTRODUCTION

Words and speeches

The Scene on the hillside

THE BEATITUDES

Basic structure

The word “blessed”

KINGDOM INVERSION

Blessed are the poor in spirit

For theirs IS __________________________________

Luke 12:32-34

Blessed are those who mourn

They shall be__________________________________

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Blessed are the meek

They shall _____________________________________

Psalm 37:11

The great INVERSION

THE KING’S TABLE

Community Meditation Questions

Feel

• Does the beginning of the King’s speech make you feel uncomfortable or unsettled? Have we understood what is valuable in the world wrongly?
• What does “God” and our relationship to him have to do with knowing our poverty in spirit, mourning and meekness?

Know

• Does Jesus say in the beginning of the beatitudes that prosperity, success, etc. are not indicative of God’s blessing? Is simply having nothing a guarantee of Kingdom inclusion? Does having some things keep you out? Carefully discuss.
• Do you think there is a place in the church for commitments to poverty and/or humble living? Does Jesus want us to be gloomy and sad simply so he might comfort us?
• We cannot simply over spiritualize what Jesus saying; it is relevant for our lives now. We cannot under-spiritualize it either leaving relationship to God out...Discuss.

Live

• Have there been times in your life where you valued what was strong, powerful and proud over trusting God in humility and dependence?
• Do you think some people are “in” and some people “out” with God in ways that may not line up with Jesus? How can you repent, love and live across your biases?