In Matthew 5:1–12, Jesus begins teaching his disciples what life in the kingdom of God looks like. Instead of offering strategies for success or influence, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers, people the world often considers to be losing. If want to follow Jesus faithfully in a world that rewards winning, certainty, and harm, this message offers a vision rooted in Scripture, shaped by grace, and grounded in courageous love.
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Monday
Devotional: The sermon distinguishes between preaching and pastoring. Preaching is about declaring the gospel and sharing the truth of God with conviction. Pastoring involves walking alongside individuals, listening, and guiding them through their journey with Jesus amid the complexities of life. This week, consider how these roles complement each other and reflect on your own experiences with both.
Reflection Questions:
- How have you experienced preaching and pastoring differently in your life?
- In what ways can you embrace both the proclamation of the gospel and the gentle guidance of walking with others in your community?
Scriptures:
- 2 Timothy 4:2
- 1 Peter 5:2-3
- Proverbs 11:14
Tuesday: The Beatitudes and the Kingdom of "Losers"
Devotional: The sermon discusses the Beatitudes as descriptions of a kingdom that values humility, mercy, and peace—values that contrast with the world's standards of success. Jesus calls us to a life that might appear as losing from a worldly perspective but is actually aligned with God's kingdom principles.
Reflection Questions:
- How do you feel about the idea of being a "loser" in the kingdom sense?
- What Beatitude resonates most with you, and why?
Scriptures:
- Matthew 5:3-10
- Luke 6:20-23
- James 2:5
Wednesday: Do No Harm
Devotional: The sermon's reference to John Wesley's general rule of "Do No Harm" emphasizes living a life that refrains from causing harm to others. This rule urges us to consider the consequences of our actions and attitudes and challenges us to live courageously and differently from the world's norms.
Reflection Questions:
- What does "Do No Harm" mean to you in your daily interactions?
- Can you think of a situation where choosing not to harm changed the outcome for the better?
Scriptures:
- Romans 12:17-18
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15
- Galatians 5:14-15
Thursday: The Courage to Trust
Devotional: Following Jesus requires the courage to trust that God's ways, which often appear counterintuitive to our natural instincts, are right and good. Trusting in God's kingdom means letting go of the need for personal success in favor of faithfulness to God's call.
Reflection Questions:
- What areas of your life require you to trust God more deeply?
- How can you practice trusting God's kingdom principles over worldly success this week?
Scriptures:
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Isaiah 26:4
- Hebrews 11:1
Friday: Beginning Discipleship
Devotional: Discipleship begins when we decide to follow Jesus, embracing the kingdom values of humility, mercy, and peace. It is a journey that requires persistence and trust in God's presence. Jesus calls us to walk with Him despite the challenges, knowing that this path is good.
Reflection Questions:
- Where are you in your discipleship journey, and what steps can you take to grow?
- How can you support others in beginning or continuing their discipleship path?
Scriptures:
- Matthew 16:24-25
- John 8:31-32
Philippians 3:12-14
