UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS_ Matthew 5:1-12 A hymn by William Cowper reminds us to look for blessings in unexpected places... You fearful saints, fresh courage take ; The clouds you so much dread Are big with mercy, and shall break In blessings on your head. [Group discussion starter] The word “blessed” and the phrase “hashtag-blessed” gets thrown around a lot. How would you define the word “blessed”? Take some time to write your definition down and then share with the group... In the Beatitudes we find both the ‘simplicity of word’ and the ‘profundity of thought’ in one place. This section of the gospels has captured the thoughts and imaginations of Christians throughout the generations. The deeper we ‘dig’... the deeper it goes. The more we explore... the more we find there is to explore. [Read Matthew 5:1-12] How does our normal description of the “blessed/fortunate” person compare with those that Jesus considers “blessed”? One of the ways we can
{PARABLE} the rich man and Lazarus_ Luke 16:19-31 Have you ever heard someone say that religion is just a ‘crutch’ or just a source of comfort for the weak? Have you ever heard someone say that religious people pay no attention to those who are hungry or suffering? Christianity doesn’t teach passive suffering in the face of injustice and oppression. Jesus calls us to serve those who are in need. [Discussion starter] Have you ever been asked for money by someone homeless? How did you react? The final parable in this study reminds us that suffering in this life can be replaced by bliss in the next ... [Read Luke 16:19-31] In verses 19-21, how does the parable reveal the rich man’s lack of concern for Lazarus? How would you account for the rich man’s indifference towards Lazarus? What are some of the ways that you have heard people explain why some in society are poor? Which of these ways of thinking do you find to be most biblical and