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Jesus, in his first public appearance in the Gospel of Matthew (5:3-12),
climbs a hill and gives his followers a sermon that might have left
them perplexed, Martha E. Stortz writes in her 2007-2008 Bible study.
We are most blessed when we're at our lowest.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Or, as it is written in The Message: "You're more blessed when
you're at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God..."
That makes some sense. When we humble ourselves, we can pay more attention
to God and to others.Jesus' words give
us direction on how we should live as Christians; they are a compass
as we continue our journey of discipleship. Just as God blessed all
creation in Genesis, so does Jesus bless us and turn us around to be
blessings for others.
We hope these Bible study sessions will spark reflection, conversation,
and prayer. Join in the journey as we explore the lessons of blessings.
Online interviews are available
with Martha Stortz and study intro participants. Click on the
videos below for an insight into each session of the study.
Note: The videos are best viewed with Flash player. Download a free
copy of Flash player
here.
Issue |
An Overview |
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Introduction: Blessed to Follow: The Beatitudes as a
Compass for Discipleship by Marta E. Stortz
Join the discussion and
offer your insightful comments after each posting to Lutheran
Woman Today's blog
on the Fall Bible study. |
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Conversations: Conversations with women about the Bible
study, Blessed to Follow: The Beatitudes as a Compass
for Discipleship |
| April
2008 |
Session 8: Making Peace and Being Peace
Bible Study
Theme verse: Matthew 5:9 (NRSV)
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of
God." |
| May 2008 |
Session 9: Blessings in the Midst of Suffering
Bible Study
Theme verse: Matthew 5:10–12 (NRSV)
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter
all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and
be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way
they persecuted the prophets who were before you." |
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About the author:
Martha E. Stortz is professor of historical theology and ethics at Pacific
Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, and the author of
"A World According to God. She earned her bachelor of arts from Carleton
College in Northfield, Minn., and her master of arts and Ph.D. from the
University of Chicago.
Her long list of lay ministries for the ELCA and the Lutheran Church in
America includes serving on the ELCA Task Force on Theological Education
(1989–1995) and on the LCA advisory committee that studied issues concerning
homosexuality (1986). Martha has been a monthly contributor to The Lutheran
magazine's "Our Faith" column. |
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Bible Study Companion Pieces
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