LEARN BY TOPIC

The Beatitudes

Explore need, mercy, righteousness and peace in Jesus’ words.

1. 1. Read and discover - Read lesson

   World English Bible

   Matthew 5:1-12

   ¹ Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.

   ² He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,

   ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

   ⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

   ⁵ Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

   ⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

   ⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

   ⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

   ⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

   ¹⁰ Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

   ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

   ¹² Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

   Read the full chapter

   Understanding the passage

   Jesus calls blessed those often overlooked; righteousness, mercy and peace characterize his kingdom.

   Reflect

   • Whom does Jesus call blessed, and what surprises you about them?

   Put it into practice

   Recognize the dignity of someone commonly overlooked.

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2. 2. Need and righteousness - Read lesson

   World English Bible

   Matthew 5:3-6

   ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

   ⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

   ⁵ Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

   ⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

   Read the full chapter

   Understanding the passage

   The opening blessings name spiritual poverty, mourning, meekness and hunger for righteousness; they do not demand suffering to earn God’s favor.

   Reflect

   • How does Jesus address those who mourn or hunger for righteousness?

   Put it into practice

   Listen to a need without treating it as a moral defect.

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3. 3. Mercy and peacemaking - Read lesson

   World English Bible

   Matthew 5:7-9

   ⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

   ⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

   ⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

   Read the full chapter

   Understanding the passage

   Jesus connects mercy, integrity and peacemaking; these qualities shape relationships rather than remaining private feelings.

   Reflect

   • What does making peace require beyond avoiding arguments?

   Put it into practice

   Take a safe mediating step that respects everyone involved.

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4. 4. Faithfulness under opposition - Read lesson

   World English Bible

   Matthew 5:10-12

   ¹⁰ Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

   ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

   ¹² Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

   Read the full chapter

   Understanding the passage

   The blessing concerns suffering for righteousness and Jesus; it does not turn every self-caused conflict into persecution.

   Reflect

   • What does Jesus say about difficulties that can arise from seeking righteousness?

   Put it into practice

   Honestly review your responsibility in a conflict.

   Next lesson →

5. 5. Salt and light - Read lesson

   World English Bible

   Matthew 5:13-16

   ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.

   ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.

   ¹⁵ Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.

   ¹⁶ Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

   Read the full chapter

   Understanding the passage

   The images describe useful visible witness; good works point toward the Father rather than self-promotion.

   Reflect

   • How can you do good without trying to make yourself the center of attention?

   Put it into practice

   Make a useful contribution and recognize collaborators.