Bible Study Notes 2/24/2026

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ^©2026

Journey To Bethlehem and Beyond – Post Advent / Winter Series

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Max Lucado, Because of Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Here, 2020

Lesson 10

24  Feb.  2026

Matthew 5:1-12, NLT: The teaching ministry of Jesus provides us with the core principles of His ethical principles, Jesus presents these teachings as what a person is obligated to do, followed by some blessing or reward, Biblical ethics, as Jesus gave, teaches us “how” to live, act, and treat others. Inherent in this great discourse is the responsibility to respect each other, and to affirm the dignity and worth of all people. Jesus demonstrated this in throughout His ministry and encouraged His disciples to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This passage is a preamble to a more extensive teaching on our ethical commands, and the right use of spiritual disciplines.

Verses & Explanations for Matthew 5:1-12, NLT:

(Verses 1-2): The intentional ethical teaching of Jesus.

¹ One day as He saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, ² and He began to teach them.

(Verse 3) God cares for the people in need.

³ “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

(Verse 4): The Lord blesses and comforts mourners.

⁴ God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

(Verse 5): God will give the humble an inheritance.

⁵ God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

(Verse 6): Those who are just will be at peace.

⁶ God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

(Verse 7): Being merciful, God will be merciful.

⁷ God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

(Verse 8): The Pure in heart will see God.

⁸ God blesses those whose hearts are pure for they will see God.

(Verse 9): Peace workers will be called children of God.

⁹ God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

(Verse 10): The persecuted will receive the Kingdom.

¹⁰ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

(Verse 11): The persecuted God will bless.

¹¹ God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

(Verse 12): Be at peace when encountering persecution.

¹² Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way."

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!    

1. “Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!”—Psalm 119:105