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

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:3-12 ESV

In Matthew chapter 4, Jesus is just beginning His ministry in Galilee. He is teaching in the synagogues and healing many people of their sicknesses. Jesus is also choosing some of His disciples; Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew, and John and his brother James who are fishermen. In our verses, a large crowd is following Jesus. He and his disciples climb part way up a mountain, the crowd gathers around, and Jesus begins speaking. These verses are called the Beatitudes.

A blessing is a favor or gift given by God and Jesus that brings us happiness and joy.

The first part of the verse names a group of people, and the second part is their blessing.

Group of People	Description	Their Blessing
poor in Spirit	know that they need God	the kingdom of heaven
those who mourn	sad for someone who died	they shall be comforted
the meek	quiet, gentle, doesn’t speak out	they shall inherit the earth
those who hunger for righteousness	seek to know God and Jesus	they shall be satisfied
the merciful	forgiving, relieve suffering	they shall receive mercy
pure in heart	devoted to God in words and actions	they shall see God
peacemakers	promoting God’s peace	they shall be called sons of God
persecuted for belief in Jesus	suffering for doing the right thing	the kingdom of heaven

This week talk with your parents about all the blessings you already have. Can you name some? Also talk about the Beatitudes. Do you see yourself in any of these groups? When we follow Jesus and as we strive to be more like Him, we receive His blessings. Now try to think about how you can bless others, too!

Blessings and joy as you receive blessings and give blessings!