For reflection/discussion: (1) In what ways are the words of Jesus in the Beatitudes counter-cultural and even counter-intuitive? If you had never heard the Beatitudes and were asked to come up with a list of people who were blessed, who would be on the list? In what ways would your list align with and depart from Jesus' list? (2) How do the Beatitudes address the deepest needs of people who are struggling and give hope to the hopeless? (3) What does it mean to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? What consequences result when followers of Jesus "lose their saltiness" or refuse to "let their light so shine"?

For reflection/discussion: What are your thoughts or reactions to Jesus' clarifying the meaning of true righteousness? Which of the six antitheses trouble you the most? Why? Consult a good study bible like the RSV Study Bible or NIV Study Bible to explore whether knowing more about the background of Jesus' teaching might address some of your questions.

For reflection/discussion: (1) In what ways are Christians today tempted to practice our righteousness in front of others? How can we be the salt of the earth and light of the world without drawing attention to ourselves? (2) In introducing the Lord's Prayer, Jesus says that this is how we should pray, not what we should pray. How can the Lord's Prayer serve as a pattern for personal prayer? How does having a prayer that believers pray together allow us to experience unity as Christians? Does repeating the words of the Lord's Prayer violate Jesus' instruction in Matthew 6.7-8. (3) What do you most worry about, and why? Is it helpful? What are the theological implications of worry?

For reflection/discussion: (1) Why is Matthew 7.1 so well-known by both believers and unbelievers? What is your response to Paul Washer's comment, "People tell me not to judge, lest ye be judged. I always tell them, 'Twist not scripture lest ye be like Satan.'" How do the following verses clarify Jesus' meaning? Why is it easier to see others' faults than to see our own? (2) How does Christlike heart change happen? Discuss then look at Matthew 7.7-8. (3) What are you building your life on? Is it rock solid? Or could it be taken away by a storm of some sort? How can you build your life on something rock solid that will never disappoint you?