You are blessed when... (Feb. 13, 2022)

READ: Jesus traveled around Galilee with his friends sharing the good news of God’s realm and many others began to follow him. One day he came to a great field and there he began to give what would become his most famous sermon. It was such an important sermon we find it in both Luke and Matthew’s gospels. Jesus told him that in God’s realm there were many people who would be blessed. And the blessed people were not whom we might expect, because Jesus said in God’s realm things often get turned upside down. He said:
“Blessed are the poor.” - those without money or without hope.
“Blessed are the hungry” - those who have no food or who long for a better life.
“Blessed are those who mourn” - those who are sad or alone.
The people listened to his sermon with hope, perhaps the world was changing. Perhaps God’s love could make the world a better place.
(from Luke 6:20-23)

WONDER: I wonder what it feels like to be blessed by God?
I wonder who are the poor where we live?
I wonder who is sad?
I wonder who is hungry?
I wonder what part of this story you like the best?
I wonder where you are in this story?
I wonder what it feels like to bless others?

SAY: Jesus spoke of many others who are blessed in God’s realm. People who work for peace and those who show kindness. God welcomes everyone to join in living in a way of blessing and hope.

PRAY: Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you for your realm. You show us what it means to be blessed and how we can be a blessing to others each day. Help us to be a blessing in our world. Amen.

EXTEND

• Read the beatitudes from Luke 6:20-23 and Matthew 5:1-12. Create a blessings poster. Using the lead-in, “God blesses those who:” with words, drawings, cut out images from magazines, etc., create a mixed media interpretation of the beatitudes. 
• ​Read The Beatitudes: from Slavery to Civil Rights by Carole Boston Weatherford (author) and Tim Ladwig (Illustrator)