Not Those Boys
Matthew 5:1-12 (The Message)
“When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
“‘You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
“‘You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
“You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
“‘You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
“‘You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being “care-full,” you find yourselves cared for.
“‘You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
“‘You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
“‘You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
“‘Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.’”
“Christ, the Great Teacher, sought to win the minds of men from the contemplation of earthly things, that He might teach them of heavenly things. Had the teachers of His day been willing to be instructed by Him, had they united with Him in sowing the world with the seeds of truth, the world would be far different from what it now is. Had the scribes and Pharisees joined their forces with the Saviour, the knowledge of Christ would have restored the moral image of God in their souls” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 438).
“Christ’s words contain nothing that is nonessential. The Sermon on the Mount is a wonderful production, yet so simple that a child can study it without misunderstanding. The mount of beatitudes is a symbol of the spiritual elevation on which Christ ever stood. Every word He uttered came from God, and He spoke with the authority of heaven. ‘The words that I speak unto you,’ He said, ‘they are spirit, and they are life.’ John 6:63. His teaching is full of ennobling, saving truth, to which men’s highest ambitions and most profound investigations can bear no comparison. He was alive to the terrible ruin hanging over the race, and He came to save souls by His own righteousness, bringing to the world definite assurance of hope and complete relief” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 439).
Not Those Boys
“Dear God, please don’t send those boys to my van.”
God wasn’t listening, I concluded.
Several times a year, the school devoted a day to community service. From my viewpoint, Kenny or Chris were not “service project” material. Plopping into the seats, Chris complained, “Where are we going?”
Kenny chimed in, “Why do we have to do this?”
Although I wanted to say something else, I calmly replied, “We’re going to work at the battered women’s shelter.”
“Work?” Kenny snorted. “I didn’t even sign up for this. I think it is stupid!”
It occurred to me that God was not answering my prayer. We arrived at the shelter, and I met the director while the boys waited anxiously in the van.
“We really need help planting flowers and playing with the kids while the women go to a group session.” She peered into the van and asked nervously, “Can your team do that for us?”
Team? I thought. The two stringy-haired, saggy-dressed teenagers who were half asleep in the van were anything but a team.
“Come on gentlemen,” I exaggerated. “I’m going to paint. Kenny, you are going to play with the kids. And Chris, you are going to plant the flowers.”
I prayed one final prayer for God to stop punishing me saying, “God, if You are there, I’m begging you. . . .”
My prayer was interrupted by six screaming children running up to the van, chanting, “Duck, duck, goose!” Kenny was being pulled from the van to play a marathon of children’s games. He looked back desperately for help as his best friend watched helplessly. I smiled and waved.
Chris looked in horror at the flats of flowers that littered the sidewalk where the fertile ground waited for their arrival. After the shock wore off, he examined the site and soberly began to plant.
As we got ready to leave, children were still clinging to Kenny’s arms and legs as he dragged them laughing in the grass. Chris was washing his hands by the side of the house as the women came out of the building to a garden of flowers. I watched his eyes as he accepted their gratitude. All three of us received a passport to another world that morning. It occurred to me that being self-absorbed has many faces. I thanked God for not answering my prayer.
- Did the woman in the story reflect the actions of a citizen of Jesus’ kingdom? Explain.
- What was it about the boys that caused this woman to feel it was useless to have them with her for a service project?
- What attitude did the boys have?
- Look at “Today’s Reading.” Which Beatitudes apply to the story in today’s lesson?
Proverbs 8:32 (The Message)
“‘So, my dear friends, listen carefully;
those who embrace these my ways are most blessed.
Mark a life of discipline and live wisely;
don’t squander your precious life.
Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me,
awake and ready for me each morning,
alert and responsive as I start my day’s work.
When you find me, you find life, real life,
to say nothing of God’s good pleasure.
But if you wrong me, you damage your very soul;
when you reject me, you’re flirting with death.’”
Psalm 119:1, 2 (The Message)
“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
don’t ever walk off and leave me.”
HERE’S WHAT I THINK
Imagine it’s your first day at high school. There are a few people you recognize but many you don’t. You start watching to see which kids hang out together. Which groups would you try to make friends with? Which group would you feel uncomfortable to be a part of? How is the group you would like to join different from the ones you would not like to join? Why do you think you are making the choice you are?
Go to http://guidemagazine.org/rtf to post your answers. Your thoughts and feelings may seem clearer to you when you write them down, so we’ve provided space for you here as well. You may also wish to share them with your class later. Be up front and honest.
After reading Matthew 5:1-12 (the Beatitudes) in two different versions of the Bible (see Sabbath afternoon reading), answer the questions at the end.
Matthew 5:1-12 (Amplified Bible)
1“Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him.
2“Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3“ Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
4“Blessed and enviably happy [with a happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace] are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted!
5“Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth!
6“Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied!
7“Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!
8“Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous—possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!
9“Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!
10“Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
11“Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.
12“Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. [II Chron. 36:16.]
- Why does each Beatitude begin with “Happy” or “Blessed”?
- What does verse 4, “Blessed those who mourn,” mean?
- What does verse 5, “Blessed are the meek,” mean?
- What does verse 6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. . .” mean?
- Look at verse 7. What is its meaning?
- Who are the pure in heart? Why are they blessed?
- Who are the peacemakers? Why are they blessed?
- “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake . . .” Why should we be happy when we are persecuted? What does this mean?
- Verse 11 tells us we are blessed when men shall “revile you.” What does this mean?
- Who was Jesus talking to when He gave the Beatitudes?
- Are the Beatitudes relevant for us today? Explain.
“Happiness drawn from earthly sources is as changeable as varying circumstances can make it; but the peace of Christ is a constant and abiding peace. It does not depend upon any circumstances in life, on the amount of worldly goods or the number of earthly friends. Christ is the fountain of living water, and happiness drawn from Him can never fail” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing p.16).
“Many who are seeking for happiness will be disappointed in their hopes, because they seek it amiss. True happiness is not to be found in selfish gratification, but in the path of duty. God desires man to be happy, and for this reason He gave him the precepts of His law, that in obeying these he might have joy at home and abroad. While he stands in his moral integrity, true to principle, having the control of all his powers, he cannot be miserable. With its tendrils entwined about God, the soul will flourish amid unbelief and depravity. But many who are constantly looking forward for happiness fail to receive it, because, by neglecting to discharge the little duties and observe the little courtesies of life, they violate the principles upon which happiness depends.
“The currents of spiritual life must not become stagnant. The water of the living fountain should be in us, a well of water springing up into everlasting life, and sweeping away the selfishness of the natural heart. . . . Many build up barriers between themselves and Jesus so that His love cannot flow into their hearts, and then they complain that they do not see the Sun of Righteousness. Let them forget self and live for Jesus, and the light of Heaven will bring gladness to their souls” (Our High Calling, p. 63).
SO WHAT?
The whole idea of a “kingdom” may seem unreal today. But even though God’s kingdom isn’t something you can touch with your hands, it is real. Jesus would even say it is more real than the world you are living in. The freedom you feel when you forgive someone is real. The joy people feel when they devote their whole lives to service in the mission field is real.
That’s what makes the kingdom of God real.
Just look at the “real” world around you. Depression is common. Suicide is on the rise. Consider the music and movies that are popular today. Are people claiming to be happy, fulfilled, full of joy and certainty, meaning and purpose? No, a lot of them are uncertain or disappointed about life.
Citizens of God’s kingdom face many things, but always with certainty of their future. Always with the knowledge that suffering will end. Always with the joy that being of service in a forever kingdom is better than trying to be king of one that is coming to an end. Is it possible that so many people can be misled as to which kingdom is real and which kingdom is temporary? Obviously they are, and it is for that very reason that we should wear our citizenship right out where everyone can see it.
- What is happiness? (What is your definition?)
- How does the world define happiness?
- How does Jesus define happiness?
Listed below are Bible texts that talk about the lesson. Match the number with the phrase to which the Bible text belongs.
- Psalm 32:1, 2 (NLT)
- Proverbs 16:25 (NLT)
- John 16:33 (NIV)
- John 14:27 (NIV)
- James 2:5 (NLT)
- 1 John 2:15-17 (CEV)
- 1 John 4:4 (NIV)
A. ______ “Don’t love the world or anything that belongs to the world.”
B. ______ “Oh, what a joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven. . . .”
C. ______ “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them. . . .”
D. ______ “‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give . . . .’”
E. ______ “There is a path before each person that. . . .”
F. ______ “Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. . . .”
G. ______ “I have told you these things, so that . . . .”
Ecclesiastes 2:25, 26 (New International Version)
“For without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
Psalm 30:10-12 (New International Version)
“Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me;
O LORD, be my help.
“You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
“that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.”
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ME?
The desire you have for joy and happiness is there because God put it in you. Life in God’s kingdom may seem foreign now, but the more you think about it, the more real it will seem. The opposite kingdom is a place where there is never mercy, only a love of power. It’s where everyone looks out for his or her own interests and never thinks of others. It’s a pretty scary place.
In the Beatitudes, God seems to be sneaking us a peek of our future home in heaven. It is almost as if God is reminding us, “Don’t make yourself at home in this world, because your home is somewhere else.” Consider the rewards of being part of that kingdom—heirs to the King, children of an awesome Father. God wants us to experience joy more than we know, and while the path of God’s kingdom has challenges, what an adventure to be a part of such an upside-down kingdom.
- Where do you usually look for joy and happiness?
- According to Matthew 5:1-12, where should we look for happiness?
- How is Matthew 5:1-12 different from what the world teaches us about happiness?
- What is your attitude about happiness? Can you find a way to be happy in this world full of sin?
- How is God’s kingdom different from Satan’s kingdom?
- Where can you find true happiness?
- What do the Beatitudes have to do with being a Christian?
Proverbs 8:32 (The Message)
“‘So, my dear friends, listen carefully;
those who embrace these my ways are most blessed.
Mark a life of discipline and live wisely;
don’t squander your precious life.
Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me,
awake and ready for me each morning,
alert and responsive as I start my day’s work.
When you find me, you find life, real life,
to say nothing of God’s good pleasure.
But if you wrong me, you damage your very soul;
when you reject me, you’re flirting with death.’”
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Organize the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) in order of their relevance to your life. On the chart below, list the three Beatitudes that you want most to live by this week.
In the second column, focus on a specific arena of your life. (Examples: best friend, teacher, problems with parents, someone who hates you.) You might write the name of someone to whom you need to be merciful, or in what arena of your life you want to practice purity, humility, etc. Be as specific as you can!
As you practice the attitude, write in the last column your reflections on what happened and how you might continue to experience the real joy of being an agent of God’s kingdom
Beatitude |
Arena of Life |
Reflection |
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