Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Matthew 5:1-12

Key verse: 5:3

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

Read verses 1-2.  What did Jesus do when he saw the crowds?  What did his disciples do when Jesus sat down?  Who did Jesus begin to teach?

Read verse 3.  Who are the poor in spirit?  Why are they blessed?  What can we learn about real blessings?

Skim through verses 4-10.  Match each characteristic with each blessing below.

Characteristics	Blessings
The merciful	They will be filled
The meek	They will be comforted
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness	They will be shown mercy
The peacemakers	They will see God
Those who mourn	They will inherit the earth
The pure in heart	They will be called sons of God

What does each characteristic and blessing mean?  Choose one characteristic that you need to learn, and give an example why?

  

4.  Read verses 11-12.  Why are people persecuted for righteousness?  What blessing is theirs?  Skim through the passage again to see who receives the same blessing?  What’s the relationship between the poor in spirit and the righteous?              

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