LESSON LIFESAVER
Blessed Beatitudes (BEE-Attitudes!) cross-match puzzle
OBJECTIVE: Youth can learn these BEATITUDE ATTITUDES to learn ways to be happy. See the Matthew 5 Discussion Points (below) for details.
ACTIVITY:
Help youth learn the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–12 and then match the beatitude with the bee on the cross match. Draw a line from the Blessed are … to the beatitude. For example “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
TO MAKE Print and color the Bee-Atitudes! Cross Match for each child.
THOUGHT TREAT: Honey taffy symbolizes “BEE”-Attitudes! (beatitudes) that make us happy.
DISCUSSION POINTS (Scriptures, Jesus Christ)
Matthew 5:3–12 (Beatitudes)
The Beatitudes (also called the Sermon on the Mount) were taught by Jesus Christ to over 5,000 people. These, His words, are the heart of Jesus’ teachings. “Beatitude” means supreme blessedness or happiness. They show us how to become true disciples of Christ (to be like Him).
• (vs. 3) BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
You might say “Blessed are the poor in spirit who “come unto me” for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (see Matthew 11:28). If we “come unto” Jesus we are teachable, we seek truth and wisdom, we have faith in Him and try to be like Him by being obedient to God’s commandments.
• (vs. 4) BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN: for they shall be comforted.
This is part of God’s plan for us. How did you feel when you lost a puppy, a grandparent, or a friend? Our understanding of grief and suffering helps us have compassion for others. Jesus promised, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.
• (vs. 5) BLESSED ARE THE MEEK: for they shall inherit the earth.
The meek are gentle, kind, and patient. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty.” Prov. 16:32.
• (vs. 6) BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH DO HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS: for they shall be filled.
As we seek truth we will be fed great things from God.
• (vs. 7) BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL: for they shall obtain mercy.
Jesus wants us to see the needs of others and lift them up.
• (vs. 8) BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART: for they shall see God.
Pure means you are striving to be clean in thought and deed.
• (vs. 9) BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS: for they shall be called the children of God.
—Peacemakers strive to relieve others from difficulty. Jesus was the greatest peacemaker! Why do you think Jesus wants us to LOVE our enemies? Some people who are mean and selfish are hard to love. If you try to understand their pain and sadnesses it can be easier to love them.
—Have you ever eaten French fries without salt? What happened when you put salt on them? Jesus wants us to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). He wants us to make life taste good for other people by doing good works. Jesus taught us how to treat others.
—Jesus said, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them…” Matthew 7:12. This is called The Golden Rule!
—Jesus asked us to BEE a light; let our light shine… “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. Busy Bee’s Suggestions: BEE kind! BEE helpful! BEE a friend! BEE like Jesus!
—We will not be perfect in this life, but as we choose to follow Jesus by doing good to others each day, we will become more like Him. We can be better today than we were yesterday. We can be better tomorrow than we were today.
BIBLE SCRIPTURES TO UNDERLINE:
• Matthew 5:3–12 (Beatitudes)
• Matthew 5:16 (let your light shine)
DOWNLOAD scripture poster (HERE) COMING SOON
• Matthew 7:12 (Golden Rule)
DOWNLOAD Golden Ruler activity (HERE or shown below)
• Matthew 11:28 (“Come unto me”)
• Proverbs 16:32 (slow to anger – meek)
I’M TRYING TO BE LIKE JESUS
Verse & Song (using song visuals)*
“I’m trying to be like Jesus;
I’m following in his ways.
I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,
Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”
I’m trying to love my neighbor;
I’m learning to serve my friends.
I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again.
I try to remember the lessons he taught.
Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying:
Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”
Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry, b. 1938
© 1980 by Janice Kapp Perry. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use.
MORE BEATITUDE ACTIVITIES:
