Adult & All Age
Use the Jump menu on the right to find Bible notes and other resources.
Children & Youth
Tips on preparing this week's sessions for children and young people
Use the Jump menu on the right to find Bible notes and other resources.
Prepare your children's session
Prepare your very young children's session
Prepare your young people's session
Prepare your children's session
Read Bible notes on Matthew 5.1-12
The Beatitudes are an important part of Jesus’ teaching to his followers. Initially they may seem challenging but there is much to encourage, with the promise that God is with us and brings good things in hard times.
Can you think of times when you have been in any of those situations mentioned in the passage? How did it feel? Did you feel or experience growth either during or after the experience?
This session helps children understand that at times life can be difficult, but God will be with us and offer good things. We often think that for things to grow they need light, but growth can take place in darkness. The same is true for our lives. We can often change and grow during difficult or dark times.
It will be important for children to understand that they can be honest and talk about difficult times with people they know and trust, in a safe environment.
Prepare your very young children's session
Provide the following play materials for very young children throughout the session: selection of building blocks.
Prepare your young people's session
Read Bible notes on Matthew 5.1-12
Jesus outlines nine different ways that people can be blessed. Some of these situations are things that people can pursue, such as being peacemakers. Others, such as mourning, represent circumstances that are outside their control. Yet, taken together, these nine blessings teach us that we are blessed when we keep looking to God and serving others, even, perhaps especially, when life is difficult.
When you read the Beatitudes which ones resonate the most with you? Are there any you find hard to comprehend?
Some of the Beatitudes can seem quite abstract. One way to help make them concrete is emphasising how the young people’s lives are richer and more Christ-centred when they live out the ethos of this passage.