Week 5
The Beatitudes
Singing and Bible Reading
Sing a few songs together and then have one child read Matthew 5:3-6. Have another child read Matthew 5:7-9.
Explanation
Explain the meaning of the Beatitudes to your children so that they can understand each one. You might want to use the following simple definitions:
– The poor in Spirit are those who completely depend on God in every way.
– Those who mourn are those who show compassion to those in need.
– The meek are those who are strong within yet gentle and controlled on the outside.
– Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are those who are passionate about doing God’s will.
– The merciful are those who take on someone’s troubles as their own.
– The pure in heart are those who do the right things for the right reasons.
– The peacemakers are those who intentionally make peace in a situation that might normally end in conflict.
Activity
Divide your family into groups capable of working on their own – place younger kids with a partner who can help them. Assign the above beatitudes equally among the groups, and then have each group draw one scene depicting each beatitude(s) they were given. You could do them poster-sized or on regular notebook sized paper. For example, if you have eight groups (you have a rather large family!), then each group would get one beatitude. The group with “those who mourn” would draw a scene in which someone was actively showing compassion to someone in need. They could draw a woman giving aid relief to an earthquake victim, or a boy sharing his lunch with someone who forgot theirs. However, be sure they only do one picture for each characteristic. Once everyone is done have them share their ideas and posters with everyone else.
Questions and Discussion
– Ask each person which is their favorite beatitude and have them explain why it is their favorite.
TEA Time (Taking Energetic Action)
Each night for the rest of the week pick one or two beatitudes to discuss, perhaps during supper. Take special time to discuss how you could each embody the heart of that beatitude each day.
Memorize Matthew 5:6 as a family. Write the verse out on a large sheet of paper or placard of some type and put it somewhere visible to everyone. Quiz each other each day this week to help everyone memorize it.
