Talk #1 Blessed are the poor in spirit (lowly and humble) For theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matthew

5:3 - What do the Beatitudes mean to you, especially this one? Additional scripture reference: Isaiah 61: 1 - Personal experience related to this beatitude - not theological - Read discussion questions and pass out slips with questions to groups Talk #1 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Who are the lowly among you? The humble? The poor in spirit? Do not give specific names, but describe how they act, what they say, how they serve others, etc. 2. Why do you think Jesus calls them blessed?KAIROS SUMMER RETREAT - Talk Sheets - The Beatitudes Page 2

Talk #2 Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted - Matthew 5:4 - What do the Beatititudes mean to you, especially this one? Additional scripture references: Isaiah 61: 3 and 7 - 8 - Personal experience related to this beatitude - not theological - Read discussion questions and pass out slips with questions to groups Talk #2 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What are some of the losses we mourn? 2. What are some of the ways we can be more open to receiving and sharing the comfort that Jesus offers us? KAIROS SUMMER RETREAT - Talk Sheets - The Beatitudes

Page 3 Talk #3 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land (earth, kingdom) - Matthew 5:5 - What do the Beatitudes mean to you, especially this one? Additional scripture references - Psalm 37, especially v. 1 - 11 - Personal experience related to this beatitude - not theological - Read discussion questions and pass out slips with questions to groups Talk #3 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What do you think Jesus is talking about when he talks about the meek? Hint: see Psalm 37 2. What does it take to be both meek in spirit and strong in faith? KAIROS SUMMER RETREAT - Talk Sheets - The Beatitudes

Page 4 Talk #4 Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied (filled) Matthew 5:6 - What do the Beatitudes mean to you, especially this one? Additional scripture references - Proverbs 10 and 11, Matthew 15: 7 - 20, Colossians 3: 12 - 17 - Personal experience related to this beatitude - not theological - Read discussion questions and pass out slips with questions to groups Talk #4 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. RecallthelasttimeyouwereREALLYhungryorthirsty. Do you ever have that feeling for Jesus in your life? 2. How can you feed your hunger for Jesus? KAIROS SUMMER RETREAT - Talk Sheets - The Beatitudes

Page 5 Talk #5 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. - Matthew 5:7 - What do the Beatitudes mean to you, especially this one? Additional scripture references - Matthew 18: 21-35 (Parable of the unmerciful servant) - Personal experience related to this beatitude - not theological - Read discussion questions and pass out slips with questions to groups Talk #5 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Who are the merciful people in your life? 2. What have you learned from them about forgiveness? 3. How can you be more merciful to others? KAIROS SUMMER RETREAT - Talk Sheets - The Beatitudes

Page 6 Talk #6 Blessed are the clean of (pure in) heart, for they shall see God. - Matthew 5:8 - What do the Beatitudes mean to you, especially this one? Additional scripture references - Psalm 24: 1 - 5, Psalm 42 - Personal experience related to this beatitude - not theological - Read discussion questions and pass out slips with questions to groups Talk #6 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What does it mean to you to be clean of heart? 2. What obstacles do we face as we try to move forward on our journey towards being clean of heart? 3. What can we do as followers of Christ to overcome those obstacles? KAIROS SUMMER RETREAT - Talk Sheets - The Beatitudes

Page 7 Talk #7 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. - Matthew 5:9 - What do the Beatitudes mean to you, especially this one? Additional scripture references - James 3: 1 - 9, 1 Thessalonians 5: 10 - 28, Matthew 5: 43 - 48, - Personal experience related to this beatitude - not theological - Read discussion questions and pass out slips with questions to groups Talk #7 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Recall that the apostle Paul, wrote many of his letters from prison. (Colossians 4: 18) How does a peacemaker act in prison? What do they do? Hint: 1 Thessalonians 5: 1028 2. In what ways can you be a peacemaker? 3. What role does prayer have in being a peacemaker? KAIROS SUMMER RETREAT - Talk Sheets - The Beatitudes

Page 8 Talk #8 Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matthew 5:10-12 Talk #8 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Do you know anyone who has been persecuted for their Christian beliefs? 2. Have you every been criticized or put down for your Christian beliefs? 3. What can you do for yourself and other Christians to accept the blessings Jesus offers you in the Beatitudes?