MEMORY VERSE: ‘Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.’ Matthew 11:28-29.
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:1-12.
STUDY HELP: Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, pages 6-35.
LESSON AIM: To study the ladder of Christian growth.
NOTE: This lesson contains seven sections, instead of the usual six, in order to study all the Beatitudes in one lesson.
‘The eight beatitudes make up a spiritual ladder containing the natural and logical steps in spiritual growth and development which take us into the kingdom of God. The word ‘beatitude’ comes from the Latin ‘beatus’. It means blessed or happy. The beatitude ladder is therefore the blessed ladder, because these steps in spiritual development represent a blessed experience. ‘Blessed’ is synonymous with ‘consecrated’, ‘hallowed’, ‘sacred’, and ‘holy’. It is defined as the state of being happy, joyful and peaceful as the result of the full enjoyment of the divine favour; unalloyed prosperity and contentment in heart and life. For what more could anyone desire or ask?’ Taylor G. Bunch: The Beatitudes, page 12.
1. Which are the first ones upon whom Christ pronounces His blessing? Matthew 5:1-3.
NOTE: ‘All who have a sense of their deep soul poverty, who feel that they have nothing good in themselves, may find righteousness and strength by looking unto Jesus. He says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden.” Matthew 11:28. He bids you exchange your poverty for the riches of His grace. We are not worthy of God’s love, but Christ, our surety, is worthy, and is abundantly able to save all who shall come unto Him. Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are, weak, helpless, and despairing, our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness. He presents us to the Father clothed in the white raiment of His own character. He pleads before God on our behalf, saying: I have taken the sinner’s place. Look not upon this wayward child, but look on Me. Does Satan plead loudly against our souls, accusing of sin, and claiming us as his prey? The blood of Christ pleads with greater power.’ Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 8.
2. What sort of person will be accepted into the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 5:3.
NOTE: ‘Of the poor in spirit Jesus says, “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This kingdom is not, as Christ’s hearers had hoped, a temporal and earthly dominion. Christ was opening to men the spiritual kingdom of His love, His grace, His righteousness. The ensign of the Messiah’s reign is distinguished by the likeness of the Son of man. His subjects are the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted for righteousness’ sake. The kingdom of heaven is theirs. Though not yet fully accomplished, the work is begun in them which will make them “meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” Colossians 1:12.’ Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, page 8.