Watch
Before you watch the episode, ask folks to offer up highlights from Episode Seven.
Discuss
To start your time of discussion, take a moment to read the Gospel passage at the heart of this episode: Matthew 5:3-12.
1. The creators of The Chosen imagine Jesus working tirelessly to come up with the right introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. Why are the Beatitudes such a powerful—even necessary—way to begin the sermon?
2. Which Beatitude stirs the most encouragement in you and why?
3. Which Beatitude shocks you the most and why?
4. Do any of the Beatitudes bother you—and why?
5. If the wider world had to offer its own list of Beatitudes, outlining who is truly blessed in life, what would be on that list?
Another way to approach Question #5 is to list each Beatitude one by one and invite the group to identify a Beatitude (or two) that would be its exact opposite.
6. If we’re honest, those who are anything but peacemakers or pure in heart seem to be living a good—even blessed—life. And those who are meek or poor in spirit are often living a difficult and painful life. What would you say to someone who points that out?
7. The power of the Beatitudes is that they are statements and not commands. Jesus is simply saying those who are often overlooked, judged, or dismissed are beloved and blessed. Still, followers of Jesus strive to be pure in heart or makers of peace. Is there a Beatitude you want to live out in more marked ways, and what can you do to see that kind of growth in the days ahead?
Pray
Heads up! You’ll see below that we’ve tweaked our usual two closing questions in light of your having arrived at the end of Season 2.
Closing Question #1
If you were to offer a word of thanks to God for something that comforted you most in this entire season, what would it be?
Closing Question #2
If you were to ask God’s help in living life in a new way in light of this entire season, how would you sum up this new way of life?