The Beatitudes – Matthew 4:12-25

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Over the next few months we are going to look at the start of the best sermon ever preached, the Sermon on the Mount. It starts with the Beatitudes, a list of way we can be blessed.

The Beatitudes are well known but also misunderstood by many, therefore before we start looking at them we are going to prepare ourselves by reading through Matthew 4:12-25. Here we see the start of Jesus’ ministry and his message, it is within this context that we must seek to understand the Beatitudes.

Take time over the next few days to read this passage slowly, as you do notice the message of Jesus, how he did ministry, how he called the disciples and the response to Jesus.

Check back here on Sunday morning at 10am for our Engage and Extend sections.

Engage & Extend

In Jesus’ early ministry in v23 we see him Teaching, Preaching and Healing. 

We see his message v17

• Repent 
• The kingdom of God in near
• Compassion

We see who Jesus went to v12-16 

• not to the easy places
• not to the easy people 

We see the Response to Jesus 

• The Disciple left everything to follow Jesus 
• Crowds followed Jesus 

This is the context we must use as we seek to understand the Beatitudes.

As we do we will see that the Beatitudes show us the transforming power of living a repentant life as a member of the kingdom of heaven now. 

As you have read and listened to this passage, what has stood out to you about the ministry of Jesus?

Why has this stood out?

How does this challenge you about your life and how you do ministry?

Jesus’ message of repentance is powerful and important, prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to help you repent and live in the power of the kingdom of heaven.