For this week's lectionary reading, we're discussing the Beatitudes. Sarah Stenson teaches us that—when translated—the word beatitudes means state of bliss or supreme joy. 

Adam, Kiri and Mason ask:

• What does it mean to be blessed by God? 
• What is the difference between happiness and joy?
• What does it mean to stand up for your neighbor?

Sarah explains that to be blessed is to receive God's benefits. That's important to remember as we make our way through Jesus' teachings: these are not a prescription of how to live, they're a depiction of what God is doing in our lives. 

This is especially important as we hear the final two verses: that we should rejoice and be glad because we are blessed when people revile and persecute us. 

Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord!

Martin Luther said, "Next to the word of God, the art of music is the greatest treasure in the world."

To understand the importance of hymnody in the Lutheran church, Lars Olson and I sit down with Zachary Brockhoff each week to discuss the lectionary's hymns, their meaning and history, and how the music preaches the Gospel. We hope you enjoy this new venture! 

Follow or subscribe to Sing to the Lord to hear the weekly episodes. Links to the Sing to the Lord podcast feed are in the show notes. 

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3IjGmMa

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3VHikh3

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate