1. What does it mean to bless someone? Does a man have the authority or power to bless anyone?

2. What prayers should we lift up for those who are persecuting us? Is persecution only referring to religious persecution or is the anyone who wants us harmed?

3. Do you think Jesus really expects his followers to turn the other cheek or to give to anyone who asks everything we have? How do we practically apply this?

1. What kind of love are we to practice with others?

2. Have you ever tried to do good to those who hate you? How did it affect you and the person you did good to?

3. What does it mean to bless those who curse you?

1. In what way does mourning lead to laughter?

2. What is the cause of mourning for Christians?

3. When was the last time you were persecuted or hated because of Jesus' name? Does everyone who follow Christ experience rejection from this world? Why or why not?

1. Who was audience Jesus was addressing in this passage? What is the significance of knowing who Jesus was speaking to?

2. Compare the b-attitudes mentioned in Matthew 5:1-12 and the b-attitudes mentioned in this text.

3. Does being poor automatically mean you are blessed? Why or why not?

4. What is promised for those who are poor? In what way is being poor connected to the kingdom of God?

5. In what way would the hungry be satisfied?

1. Who were the people that Jesus ministered to?

2. Why were they coming to Jesus?

3. What was the main content of Jesus' preaching?

4. What was the purpose of Jesus' healing ministry?

1. Why did Judas betray Jesus?

2. Why did Jesus choose Judas if he knew Judas would betray him?

3. What is the last thing that the bible says about him in Acts 1:18?

1. What do these nicknames tell us about these disciples?

2. Outside of doubting Thomas we have very little to no information on the other three disciples. Why do you think these men, who played such a key role in the early church, just drifted into the sunset without any record of their work?

1. Why were tax collectors so hated by the Jews?

2. Why do you think Matthew was chosen as a disciple considering how much discord it could have caused even among the other disciples?

3. What is the gospel of Matthew known for? Why was apostle Matthew uniquely qualified to write this gospel?