(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Matthew 5:1-2 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29) is perhaps the most studied sermon in world history. While the entirety of this teaching can be read in about 20-30 minutes, it’s highly likely that Jesus taught this sermon in small chunks over a period of several days. This would give the people listening time to ponder, pray, discuss, and digest the significance of the principles He was teaching.
According to the NLT Life Application Study Bible commentary note on this passage, “Jesus taught people what God’s Kingdom is meant to be. Position, authority, and money are not important in his Kingdom—what matters is faithful obedience to God from the heart, which leads to genuine love for God and others and transforms lives, communities, and nations.” We may regularly look to power, position, money, and prestige. But these don’t really matter in the Kingdom of God. What matters is genuine love for God and others.
READING & PRAYERS:
MATTHEW 5:1-12 (read this passage slowly, and if possible, read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice)
QUESTION: The beatitudes are not a list in which we get to pick one and leave the rest behind. As a whole, they reveal what it looks like to live in the Kingdom of God. In your own words, take some time to write down a summary of the main principles taught in the beatitudes (5:3-12). Practically speaking, how can you live out these principles today?
Take a Step: This week, continue to utilize the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily to begin practicing being with God and resting in His presence. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices. See pauseapp.com for details.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess there are many moments in which I’m more concerned about whether others are living out the beatitudes and godly principles instead of remaining focused on my own growth areas. Today, be with me as I lean into the principles You taught. Continue to mold me into the person You’ve made me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
south ridge blog 