Sunday School Lessons: The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

One method of teaching The Beatitudes to a group of children is through role play.  Have the class reenact Jesus' sermon which includes "The Beatitudes".  You can find this bible passage in Matthew 5: 1-11.

Ask one child to be Jesus.  The rest of the class can be the "crowd".

After the reenactment, guide the children through the verses and discuss each one to ensure the children have a clear understanding of the passage.  Then ask each child to pretend to be a journalist and write a news paper article about the sermon and the reaction of the crowd.  Older children might even like to put together a "news report" as if they were reporting the sermon on "ancient TV". 

Use crossword puzzles, word search activities, and word scramble games to help adults and children remember Bible passages and Biblical principles.  Either find or design word games that include The Beatitudes and the scripture passages in the book of Matthew.  Make the activities more excited by turning them into timed context or relay type games.  Offer rewards to the group or groups that finish first.  Rewards can be simple and inexpensive such as Bible bookmarks, notepads, pens, and pencils.  Keep it simple.  Remember, the point of the lesson is to help the class remember the lessons taught in The Beatitudes.

Find a way to include food!  Adults and children love to eat.  Write Beatitudes Bible verses on cookies made from cardstock. Allow the class to use the cards to help memorize the verses. Then, serve real cookies.  Make cupcakes in paper cupcake liners.  Before slipping the lined cupcake into an additional liner, add a Beatitudes Bible verse written on paper between the cupcakes.  Allow the class to share the verses found underneath their cupcake.  However you decide to do it, adding food helps encourage participation and reinforce the lessons taught.