• Pastor Suzanne talked about how the “Beatitudes” in Matthew 5 are utilize a poetic format that was common at the time to talk about “The Good Life.”
• Jesus’ descriptions of the good life flipped expectations of that time, and flips the expectation of our time to tell us that “The Good Life” or “The Kingdom Life” looks like being desperate, mourning, merciful, persecuted, and meek. This would have been especially good news to the direct audience Jesus was talking to - the poor, the sick, & the powerless. 

Reflection Questions:

• How would you describe “The Good Life”?
• Which of Jesus’ Beatitudes bothers you the most? Why?
• Spend some time re-reading the “Beatitudes of the Suburbs” that Suzanne included in her sermon below. Confess anything from that list that resonates with you and invite God to show you how to course correct to pursue things that look more like his Kingdom. 

Beatitudes of Suburbia:

 Blessed are the self-sufficient,
for they will never have to ask for help.
Blessed are the busy,
for their importance will never be questioned.
Blessed are the emotionally controlled,
for they will avoid awkwardness and grief.
Blessed are the agreeable,
for they will keep the peace without making waves.
Blessed are the upwardly mobile,
for they will always have better options.
Blessed are those who manage their image well,
for they will be respected.
Blessed are those who stay neutral,
for they will never be blamed.
Blessed are those who protect their comfort,
for disruption is the greatest evil.
Blessed are the spiritually competent,
  for they will not need grace.