Our weekly Bible study during Lent will focus on the verses in the 5th chapter of Matthew commonly known as the Beatitudes, which are the lectionary Gospel readings for each Sunday in Lent. Each Monday we will study the prior Sunday’s Gospel reading, as laid out below. Underneath each of those, I’ve included the daily devotional reading for that Monday.
Here’s a guide to our Holy Week and Easter observance.
Monday, February 27
You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and God’s rule. (Matthew 5:3)
Additional readings for today: Psalm 32, 1 Kings 19:1-8, Hebrews 2:10-18
Monday, March 6
You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. (Matthew 5:4)
Additional readings for today: Psalm 128, Numbers 21:4-9, Hebrews 3:1-6
Monday, March 13
You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are — no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. (Matthew 5:5)
Additional readings for today: Psalm 81, Genesis 24:1-27, 2 John 1:1-13
Monday, March 20
You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God… Food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for. (Matthew 5:6-7)
Additional readings for today: Psalm 146, Isaiah 59:9-19, Acts 9:1-20
Monday, March 27
You’re blessed when you get your inside world — your mind and heart — put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family. (Matthew 5:8-9)
Additional readings for today: Psalm 143, 1 Kings 17:17-24, Acts 20:7-12
Monday, April 3: Holy Week
You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
Not only that — count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens — give a cheer, even! — for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (Matthew 5:10-12)