Week 1: Matthew 5:1-12
Hello there!
This week we began our study of the Sermon on the Mount. (If you were absent, click here to watch the sermon back--you won’t want to miss it!)
Why are we studying the Sermon on the Mount? In 2025, we want to focus in on finding purpose. Each of us has an idea of what “the good life” looks like, but Jesus challenges us to rethink “the good life” through the lens of God’s Kingdom.
This Sermon contains some of Jesus’ most poignant teachings, and we want to encourage you to not only engage with this message on Sundays, but to take it with you throughout the week. With that in mind, here are some resources we’ve curated for you based on the Scripture passage we read and the message from Sunday.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
This week, Pastor Makenzie invited us to reconsider our definition of "the good life" through the lens of Jesus' teachings in this chapter. Here are some resources to dive deeper into this idea and explore what "the good life" means in your context!
Bible Project video: If you want a brief overview of these verses, check out this video from our friends over at the Bible Project! Watch through 6:56 to just hear about the Beatitudes.
Bible Project podcast episode: For a deeper dive, listen to this podcast to hear what Tim Mackie and Jon Collins have to say on the meaning of “blessed” in the Beatitudes!
Finally, here are some questions that you can use in your personal study to reflect on, whether in journaling, prayer, or conversation with others.
As you begin to ponder what "the good life" means this week, what has changed?
What areas in your life do you feel like you need to see God? Pause to reflect and write down where He was in those events. How does this impact your understanding of “how good is life for those who…”?
How are you living into the truth of the Beatitudes this week?
We invite you to share any reflections with Pastors Mario or Makenzie directly, or to our contact form if you just want to share in general!
Know that you are deeply loved and called to share that love with others. We hope to see you next week as we continue to learn and grow alongside you!
Grace and Peace,
Community Cup staff
(P. S. Need some music to listen to this week? Our wonderful Pastor Susan has created a playlist on Spotify with the set list from Sunday morning's sermon. Check it out here!)
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