I have started a new (Christian) 'small group'. Over the course of this year we will be systematically looking at the gospel of Matthew, Chapters 5 - 7. Within the frame of what the verse reveals about
- God
- Others
- The world around us
- Myself
Systematically - so we have to tackle the more 'difficult' verses.
We will read the verse and keep in mind over the following week, how does that verse speak to these 4 areas.
I will post some insight by the group (keeping in mind, those attending the group are just ordinary people = not theologians).
This way we can share our insight with the world !, as well as keep in the loop, those who may miss attendance at the group.
3rd March 2009
Matt 5:1 - 3
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
What has this revealed to the home group about
GOD - that Jesus drew his disciples to himself. Some were 'attracted', and some were 'called'. Jesus was a teacher.
OTHERS - Jesus adressed and had compassion on crowds, this is a reminder for some of us that when our church bursts at the seams (as it is), and is nothing like 'back in the day' when everyone knew everyone and there was a real sence of personal connection with every person in the church, that Jesus often spoke and formed 'crowds'.
MY ENVIROMENT - Jesus addressed the reality that in this world there are 'the poor in spirit', even with the in - breaking of the Kingdom of God with the incarnation of Christ, there is still a 'not yet', there are still the poor and opressed who are addressed in theis scripture.
MYSELF - All are important to GOd - regardless of ones need,or social standing in society.
Please not that of course we realize this does not 'exhaust' the meaning of the scripture by any means, it is our groups interpretation for the week.