The Beatitude – JSS2 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

The Beatitudes are the blessings Jesus gave at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12).

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning and origin of the word “beatitude”;
2. say where in the Bible the Beatitudes are found;
3. state the blessings Jesus listed in the Beatitudes;
4. state the reward promised to each group of people named in the Beatitudes;
5. explain in simple words who each group of people is.

What will this lesson cover?

This lesson covers the Beatitudes and two related teachings from the Sermon on the Mount.

• The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:1-12.
• Christians as the salt and light of the world: Matthew 5:13-16.
• Forgiveness: Matthew 6:14-15.

What does the word “beatitude” mean?

A beatitude is a statement of blessing, from the Latin word “Beatus”, meaning blessedness, success or prosperity.

• Origin: the word comes from the Latin “Beatus”.
• Meaning: it describes the state of truly happy people.
• Pattern: each beatitude names a group of people and what they will receive.
• Opening word: most begin with “Blessed are…”.

Where are the Beatitudes found in the Bible?

The Beatitudes are found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 5, verses 1 to 12.

• Place in the sermon: they are the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.
• Setting: Jesus went up a mountain, sat down and taught his disciples (Matthew 5:1-2).
• Audience: his disciples were close to him, and a crowd was also present.

What blessings did Jesus list in the Beatitudes?

Jesus named nine blessings, each given to a particular group of people.

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
9. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Who are the people named in the Beatitudes, and what is their reward?

Each group in the Beatitudes receives a promised reward, shown in the table below.

What lessons do the Beatitudes teach Christians?

The Beatitudes teach Christians the attitudes God wants them to have.

• Humility: Christians should depend on God and not be proud.
• Mercy: Christians should be kind and forgive those who wrong them.
• Peace: Christians should settle quarrels at home, in school and in the community.
• Purity: Christians should be honest in thought, word and action.
• Courage: Christians should stay faithful to God even when people insult them.

What does it mean to be the salt and light of the world?

Jesus told his followers they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16).

• Salt: it gives taste to food and keeps it from going bad, so Christians should make society better.
• Light: it shows the way in darkness, so Christians should show others how to live well.
• Good works: people who see them should give glory to the Father in heaven.

What did Jesus teach about forgiveness?

Jesus taught that God forgives those who forgive other people (Matthew 6:14-15).

• If we forgive others: our heavenly Father will also forgive us.
• If we refuse to forgive: our Father will not forgive our wrongs.
• Application: a Christian should forgive a classmate, a friend or a neighbour who offends them.

Evaluation

1. What are the Beatitudes?
2. Who are the merciful?
3. What is the reward of the pure in heart?
4. Where in the Bible are the Beatitudes found?
5. State the meaning and origin of the word “beatitude”.

Assignment

Write out any five of the Beatitudes and state the blessing promised in each.