Our Lord’s journey takes us to a mountainside somewhere in Galilee. Some scholars suggest that it was Mt. Tabor. Mt. Tabor is located about six miles east of Nazareth. If it was Mt. Tabor, then it was in line with other Biblical history. Mt. Tabor served as the boundary point for the tribes of Naphtali, Issachar and Zebulun. (Josh 19:12ff). It was also the site where the tribes conducted early worship. Tradition also states that it might have been the site of Jesus’ transfiguration. [Other suggestion: Mt. Hermon].
Matthew 5-7 is a famous section in Scripture called The Sermon on the Mount. It is full of lessons for you and me today. We are going to concentrate on Chapter 5 in this lesson and in particular, the Beatitudes.
- Before we read the Beatitudes in Matthew chapter five, how would you define the term “beatitude?”
The word “Beatitude” comes from a Latin word meaning “happy” or “blessed.” Various forms of the word “bless” are used many times in both the Old and New Testaments, but this passage alone is known as the Beatitudes. (Source: Holman’s Bible Dictionary)
Read Matthew 5:1-12 (Use Lesson 8 Table with this section)
- What do the first two verses tell us about the crowds? Where did Jesus retreat and with whom?
- Verse two tells us that Jesus began to “teach” the disciples. Why is this one-on-twelve teaching so important at this time?
- Generally speaking, how do you find happiness? How long does a happy feeling last from beginning to end? Let’s examine what Jesus taught His disciples about this happiness or blessedness. We are going to read each one of the eight beatitudes using the table attached to this lesson sheet.
- Now that we have reviewed the beatitudes in more detail, do you see any words or phrases that are any different than our LORD’s personality? How should our walk mirror this lesson of the beatitudes?
Read Matthew 5:13-16.
- What elements does Jesus use here as examples of how we are to be to the world?
- _______________________
- _______________________
- What is one of the primary uses of salt? Explain the connection of salt to our spiritual lives. How is your saltshaker? (See the description below)
Sin condemns–>The Word of God in Christ–>Salvation (Seasoning and Preserving)
Jesus tells His disciples that they will serve as a “light to the world.” This lesson is for all Christians and for all times. Go to Acts 13:47.
- What was Paul’s function as a missionary to the Gentiles?
- In what ways do we let our light shine?
Read Matthew 5:17-20. Jesus tells us that He is here to fulfill the Law not to condemn it. What are some possible reasons why the disciples would believe that the Law would be abolished?
- Let’s suppose there is a Christian who is respected among his or her peers. They look to him or her and watch their every move. This person either by word or action encourages disobedience to God’s law. Is this person a true disciple? And what damage is done? How can another observing Christian attempt to right the wrong?
- In the closing verses of this section, Jesus tells His disciples that their righteousness must be above that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Jesus is talking about their “self righteousness” as opposed to seeking God’s righteousness. Let’s examine some other verses in Scripture that point you and me in the right way.
- Micah 6:8______________________________
- Luke 14:10_____________________________
- Luke 22:26_____________________________
- Romans 12:3____________________________
- James 4:10_____________________________
- 1 Peter 5:5______________________________
Tracing our Steps. Let’s use this time to trace our walk with Jesus. Think about this time in His life and remembering what He did for you and me. Use this space to jot down your feelings about your walk today