Welcome
Welcome to the sermon series Your Kingdom Come: God’s project for making all things new. Here you will find a brief overview, a few ideas for going deeper into the sermon topic with Preschool, Elementary, and Middle/High Schoolers.
Recap
Last week, we learned that Jesus said “The kingdom of God is here—Turn away from doing wrong and believe the Good News!” But what is this good news that Jesus was talking about? This week, he shows us what that good news is. This part of the Bible is called the Beatitudes, which means “happiness.” But there are different kinds of happy, aren’t there? Think about dumping all your halloween candy out on the bed. How does that feel? Think about snuggling into your bed at night and feeling warm and safe. You might feel happy both times, but the second time is closer to what Jesus is talking about here. This is why it uses the word “Blessed.” So, Jesus starts off his kingdom by telling what happiness is like in his kingdom, and guess what? It’s kind of a surprise.
What does our world say about happiness?
People with the money have happiness because they can buy whatever they want.
People who are powerful have happiness because they can do whatever they want.
People who work hard to be successful have happiness because they know what it feels like to do a good job.
Here is what Jesus said:
“Blessed are those who are spiritually needy.
The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
4 Blessed are those who are sad.
They will be comforted.
5 Blessed are those who are humble.
They will be given the earth.
6 Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for what is right.
They will be filled.
7 Blessed are those who show mercy.
They will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are those whose hearts are pure.
They will see God.
9 Blessed are those who make peace.
They will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who suffer for doing what is right.
The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
11 “Blessed are you when people make fun of you and hurt you because of me. You are also blessed when they tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. 12 Be joyful and glad. Your reward in heaven is great. In the same way, people hurt the prophets who lived long ago.
Is this surprising to you? Jesus gives us a picture of what every Christian is supposed to be like in these words, but can we be this way on our own? No. We want to have power. We want to be first, to work hard to get what we want, we aren’t always hungry and thirsty for what is good and right. BUT the good news of Jesus is that we can become like this blessed person each day when we have our hearts changed by Jesus.
Preschool
At the end of each day today, read the Beatitudes. Ask your child if they remind them of anything that happened in their day. When you share highs and lows, ask if your child had a time today when they felt that deep kind of happiness we talked about. Listen to them as they share that with you, then thank God together for it.
Elementary School
Read Matthew 5:1-12 from a child-friendly version of the Bible like the NIrV.
Make a list or draw pictures of what the world says it looks like to be blessed or deeply happy.
After reading Matthew 5:1-12, make a list or draw pictures of what Jesus says it means to be blessed or deeply happy in God’s kingdom.
Look at your two lists or groups of pictures. How are they different? What of the first list seems hard to let go of? Is there something there that means a lot to you? Talk to God about this.
Look at the second list. What do you feel pulled towards? These are things that the Holy Spirit can do in the heart of all Christians. What do you want to ask God for?
Middle/High School
Read Matthew 5:1-16 in the New Living Translation.
What stands out to you in this passage? What do you think Jesus wants you to notice?
Reflect on yourself as you read through the Beatitudes: do you realize your need for God? mourn over sin? hunger and thirst for justice? show mercy? work for peace? Do you find one particular beatitude most convicting? Do you find one most inspiring?
Read verses 13-16 again. What does Jesus call you to be/do in the world? Are you supposed to be just like the world? Are you supposed to run away from it?
Think about yourself as you read these verses. Are you salt in your family and your school and among your friends? Do you shine with good deeds in the name of Jesus?