Week 1
Text: Matthew 5:1–16
Big Idea: Jesus redefines blessing. True blessing isn’t comfort or applause—it’s Kingdom character lived out in a broken world.
I. Introduction – Redefining “Blessed”
- Culture says blessing looks like new cars, vacations, and promotions.
- Jesus says blessing looks like poverty of spirit, mourning, meekness, and persecution.
- The Beatitudes are not commands, but character traits of Kingdom people.
- Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1–16.
II. God’s Upside-Down Blessings (Matthew 5:3–12)
Blessed are the poor in spirit (v.3)
Admitting spiritual bankruptcy is the doorway into God’s Kingdom.
Blessed are those who mourn (v.4)
Instead of numbing pain, Jesus says we find true comfort by mourning over sin.
Blessed are the meek (v.5)
Meekness isn’t weakness; it’s strength under control, trusting God to exalt us.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (v.6)
The deepest satisfaction comes only from craving holiness, justice, and truth.
Blessed are the merciful (v.7)
In a world of revenge, mercy reflects God’s heart and receives mercy in return.
Blessed are the pure in heart (v.8)
Purity of heart means undivided devotion to God, clearing our vision to see Him.
Blessed are the peacemakers (v.9)
True children of God don’t fake or break peace—they make peace through Christ.
Blessed are the persecuted (vv.10–12)
Standing for truth invites persecution, but it also guarantees heavenly reward.
Closing thought for the section: The world calls these people losers; Jesus calls them blessed. Pain with Him is better than comfort without Him.
III. Salt and Light in a Decaying Culture (Matthew 5:13–16)
Salt of the earth (v.13)
Believers preserve truth and bring the flavor of Christ, slowing the world’s decay.
Light of the world (vv.14–16)
Light doesn’t argue with darkness—it drives it out. We shine not to glorify ourselves but to point people to the Father.
IV. Connecting to Today’s World
- Wars and rumors of wars → Blessed are the peacemakers (v.9).
- Cancel culture → Blessed are the merciful, blessed are the persecuted (vv.7, 10–12).
- Identity crisis → Blessed are the poor in spirit and pure in heart (vv.3, 8).
- Anxiety and dissatisfaction → Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (v.6).
The Beatitudes are not outdated sayings. They are Jesus’ direct answer to the very chaos we live in today.
V. Conclusion – Who Defines Blessed?
- Culture says you’re blessed if you win. Jesus says you’re blessed if you surrender.
- The Sermon on the Mount isn’t a ladder into God’s favor—it’s the evidence of belonging to His Kingdom.
- Closing Scripture: Matthew 7:24 — “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
- Call to Action: Who’s defining “blessed” in your life—culture, or Christ?