2025 Study of Matthew’s Gospel #1

THE BEATITUDES

Matthew 5:1-16

Key Verse 5:3

1. What did Jesus do when he saw the crowds and his disciples (1-2)? How would you describe the meaning of “blessed” in verses 3–12? What does it mean to be “poor in spirit” (3a)? Why do you think Jesus calls them blessed (3b)?
2. What kinds of things might a blessed person mourn over (4a)? How do you think God comforts those who mourn (4b)? What qualities do you see in someone who is meek, and what do they inherit (5)?
3. In what ways will those who hunger and thirst for righteousness be satisfied (6)? What does it look like to be merciful, and how are they blessed (7)? How would you describe a person who is pure in heart, and what does it mean for them to see God (8)?
4. What does it mean that the peacemakers will be called children of God (9)? Why do you think those who are persecuted are blessed (10)? How should the blessed respond when they are persecuted because of Jesus and why (11-12)?
5. How would you describe the meaning of being “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (13-15)? In light of the Beatitudes, how can we practically live as salt and light in today’s world (16)?