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Continuing our week in Matthew.

Day 2 - Chapters 5 -8

Chapter 5 - The Beatitudes

Now this chapter is worthy of an in-depth study in itself!

Some notes:

• This is the first of the 5 major teaching sections in Matthew
• Note the contrast between this teaching on Mount Sinai and Moses’ giving of the Law in Exodus
• This teaching focuses on the way of life in the Kingdom
• Note the “upside down” nature of Jesus teaching (i.e. - blessed are the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, etc.)
• Note how this teaching goes beyond the former teaching of what makes a person righteous and “blessed”

Questions to ponder:

• Why do you think Jesus says that those who exhibit the characteristics listed in verses 3-12 are “blessed”? Have you ever felt “blessed” when you had one of these characteristics?
• To be “poor in spirit” simply means to be simpleminded, religiously unsophisticated and in a deeper sense realizing that in yourself you don’t have it all together in terms of the spiritual life. Why does Jesus consider this a blessed thing?
• What are some characteristics of life in the Kingdom that you see here?

Chapter 6 - Giving, Praying, & Fasting; Trusting in God

Some notes:

• Here Jesus continues the “sermon on the mount” by expanding on the 3 religious duties of the Pharisees (giving, praying, and fasting)
• Jesus also urges us to “single-hearted trust in God” and to not be consumed with worry

Questions to ponder:

• When you give to those in need, do you find it difficult to not tell someone? If so, practice the discipline of “secret service” - do good deeds and give to those in need but do it in secret, make sure that no one knows it was you. Offer these acts to God as obedient worship.
• In verses 7-8, Jesus tells us to not pray with many words thinking that God will hear us better. Do you find that you talk a lot when you pray? If so, try praying with fewer words and remind yourself that “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
• Why do you think in the 3 “duties” Jesus makes a note in each to practice them in secret?
• Have you seen verse 33 become reality in your life? How so?

Chapter 7

Some notes:

• The last chapter of the sermon on the mount - note verses 28-29
• Jesus teaches self-examination as well as right attitude and action towards others
• Jesus issues the “Golden Rule”
• He closes this chapter with strong words of who will enter the Kingdom along with an admonition to put into action all the things He has just taught

Questions to ponder:

• How have you judged others while not examining your own life with the same level of scrutiny?
• Consider verses 21-23. Why is it of the utmost importance that we know Jesus?
• After hearing Jesus teach, the crowds were amazes and astonished. What amazed and astonished you most about chapters 5-7?

Chapter 8 - Jesus heals

Some notes:

• Jesus continues to demonstrate the power of the Kingdom with healing and power over natural and supernatural elements
• The cost of discipleship to Jesus is briefly mentioned

Questions to ponder:

• What do you notice most about Jesus’ healing ministry here?
• Why do you think the people of the town of Gadarenes wanted Jesus to leave?

Closing thoughts:

This first teaching discourse of Jesus is full of wisdom and truth. As followers of Christ we should make these scriptures a regular source of study and meditation. Most importantly we should follow Jesus words to put these words into practice.

I encourage you to continue digging into Matthew this week. Four chapters a day may seem like a lot (especially as we get to the middle of the week and life comes at us) but if you simply break it up in to several readings it will be much more doable.

Tomorrow - Chapters 9-12

Recommended Reading:
How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour
The Cost of Discipleship
The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible (Protestant Edition)