Finding Jesus in Our Everyday Struggles
Summary
The Beatitudes offer a map for finding Jesus in the everyday realities of our lives. Just as a child seeks the comfort and presence of a mother, so too do we, in our spiritual journey, long to know where Jesus is and what He is doing in our moments of need, growth, and maturity. Jesus, standing on the mountainside, speaks with authority and compassion, inviting us to recognize His presence in the places where we are most vulnerable and most in need of transformation.
When life humbles us and we find ourselves poor in spirit, Jesus is there, leading us home to the kingdom of heaven. In our grief and mourning, He is the comforter, sending His Spirit and often His people to walk with us through loss. As we grow, we are called to meekness—a strength under control—and to hunger and thirst for righteousness, seeking what is right in our lives, our families, and our communities. Jesus promises satisfaction to those who earnestly pursue what is good and just.
Mercy becomes a hallmark of those who follow Him, as we learn to give generously, even when it is undeserved, trusting that God will be our continual supply. The journey continues as we strive for purity of heart, recognizing our shortcomings and confessing them, allowing the Holy Spirit to refine us so that we might see God more clearly and walk in intimacy with Him.
Maturity in faith is marked by peacemaking—stepping into conflict not to avoid it, but to bring reconciliation, much like a wise parent guiding children toward forgiveness and unity. As we live out these qualities, we may face misunderstanding, rejection, or even persecution. Yet, Jesus assures us that such experiences are signs of our growth and participation in the legacy of the faithful who have gone before us.
Through all these stages, Jesus is actively at work, nurturing us into sons and daughters who reflect His character and bring Him honor. The invitation is to allow Him to minister to us in our need, to join Him in His work in the lives of others, and to grow up into the fullness of life He desires for us. This is the heart of God: to see His children grow, do good, and be good, living lives of purpose, peace, and joy.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus meets us in our brokenness and poverty of spirit, not with condemnation but with an invitation to come home. When life has humbled us and we feel lost, He is attentive to our heart’s cry, offering the hope and belonging of His kingdom. This is often the starting point of true spiritual transformation, where grace becomes real and personal. [28:27]
- In seasons of grief and loss, Jesus is present as the Comforter, working through His Spirit and His people to bring consolation. Our mourning is not overlooked; it is a sacred space where God draws near, often sending others to embody His compassion. The church is called to join in this ministry, offering practical and spiritual support to those who mourn. [32:30]
- The pursuit of righteousness and mercy is a journey of growth, requiring both humility and courage. Hungering for what is right means wrestling with the brokenness around us and within us, and extending mercy means giving beyond what is deserved. In these practices, Jesus promises satisfaction and an ever-renewing supply of grace, shaping us into people who reflect His heart. [36:14]
- True maturity in Christ is seen in peacemaking—stepping into conflict to bring reconciliation rather than avoiding discomfort. This requires wisdom, patience, and a willingness to use our influence for healing rather than division. Peacemakers are called sons and daughters of God, reflecting the maturity and character that comes from walking closely with Jesus. [43:53]
- Living out the Beatitudes will sometimes lead to misunderstanding, rejection, or even persecution, but these experiences are not signs of failure. Instead, they are marks of spiritual maturity and participation in the story of God’s faithful people. Jesus assures us that our reward is great, and that He is with us, sustaining us through every trial as we grow into the fullness of His calling. [48:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[10:00] - Opening Worship and Prayer
[13:28] - Confession and Assurance
[15:35] - Children’s Time: Honoring Moms
[19:47] - Prayers for All Who Nurture
[22:55] - The Beatitudes as a Map to Jesus
[24:24] - Finding Jesus in Our Need
[26:11] - Spiritual Growth and Maturity
[28:27] - Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
[32:30] - Comfort for Those Who Mourn
[34:14] - Meekness and Inheriting the Earth
[35:11] - Hungering for Righteousness
[36:14] - The Power of Mercy
[41:09] - Purity of Heart and Seeing God
[43:53] - Peacemaking and Spiritual Maturity
[45:18] - Facing Persecution and Rejection
[49:44] - Growing Up in Christ
[54:24] - Closing Prayers and Blessing
[58:47] - Final Thanks and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Beatitudes as a Map to Jesus
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)
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### Observation Questions
1. In the sermon, what does Jesus promise to those who are “poor in spirit”? How does the pastor describe the kind of people Jesus is talking about? [[28:27]]
2. According to the sermon, what are some practical ways the church can join Jesus in comforting those who mourn? [[32:30]]
3. How does the pastor explain the meaning of “meekness” in the context of the Beatitudes? What example does he use? [[33:05]]
4. What does Jesus say will happen to those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake? How does the pastor connect this to spiritual maturity? [[45:18]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The pastor says that the Beatitudes are like a map for finding Jesus in our everyday lives. What does it mean for Jesus to be present in our moments of need, and how might that change the way we see our struggles? [[24:24]]
2. When the pastor talks about “hungering and thirsting for righteousness,” he mentions wrestling with what is right in our families and communities. Why is this kind of wrestling important for spiritual growth? [[35:11]]
3. The sermon describes peacemaking as a sign of maturity in Christ. Why do you think stepping into conflict to bring reconciliation is so challenging, and what does it reveal about our relationship with Jesus? [[43:53]]
4. The pastor says that facing misunderstanding or rejection for living out the Beatitudes is not a sign of failure, but of growth. How does this perspective help us handle criticism or opposition in our faith journey? [[48:10]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor says Jesus meets us in our brokenness and poverty of spirit, offering an invitation to come home. Can you think of a time when you felt “poor in spirit”? How did you experience Jesus’ presence or hope in that season? [[28:27]]
2. In seasons of grief or loss, the church is called to offer comfort. Is there someone in your life right now who is mourning? What is one practical thing you could do this week to bring comfort or support? [[32:30]]
3. The sermon talks about “hungering and thirsting for righteousness.” Is there an area in your life, family, or community where you sense something is not right? What is one step you could take to seek what is right in that situation? [[35:11]]
4. Mercy is described as giving generously, even when it’s undeserved. Is there someone you find it hard to show mercy to? What would it look like to extend mercy to them this week? [[36:14]]
5. The pastor says that purity of heart comes from recognizing our shortcomings and confessing them. Is there an area where you need to ask God to refine your heart? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you see God more clearly? [[41:09]]
6. Peacemaking means stepping into conflict to bring reconciliation. Is there a relationship or situation where you could be a peacemaker? What is one small action you could take to move toward peace? [[43:53]]
7. Living out the Beatitudes may lead to misunderstanding or rejection. Have you ever felt left out or criticized because of your faith or values? How did you respond, and what encouragement can you take from Jesus’ words? [[48:10]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, especially for areas where they feel poor in spirit, are mourning, or need courage to be merciful or peacemakers. Ask God to help each person grow into the fullness of life He desires for them.
Devotional
Day 1: Finding Jesus in Our Poverty of Spirit
When life humbles us and we feel broken, uncertain, or at the end of ourselves, Jesus is especially near. In these moments, when our assumptions have been shattered and we no longer have all the answers, He listens for our heart’s cry and offers us the hope of His kingdom. It is often in our lowest points that we are most open to His grace, and He promises to lead us home, to bring us into His presence and give us a new beginning. If you are feeling lost or crushed, know that Jesus is waiting to meet you right where you are, ready to guide you toward healing and belonging. [29:44]
Matthew 5:3
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (ESV)
Reflection: Where in your life do you feel most broken or at the end of yourself? Can you bring that place honestly to Jesus today and ask Him to meet you there with His hope and presence?
Day 2: Comfort for Those Who Mourn
Grief comes in many forms—loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or even health—and it can leave us feeling overwhelmed and alone. Yet Jesus assures us that He is present in our mourning, offering comfort through His Spirit and often through the caring actions of others. Whether it’s a phone call, a prayer, or simply someone sitting with us in our pain, God’s comfort reaches us in tangible ways. If you are grieving, allow yourself to receive the comfort He offers, and remember that you are not alone in your sorrow. [32:30]
Matthew 5:4
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (ESV)
Reflection: Who or what are you grieving today? How might you open your heart to receive God’s comfort, either through prayer or by allowing others to care for you?
Day 3: Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness
As we grow in faith, we begin to notice the brokenness in our world and in ourselves, and we develop a deep longing for things to be made right. This hunger and thirst for righteousness is a sign of spiritual maturity, and Jesus promises that those who seek what is right will be satisfied. Whether it’s wrestling with difficult questions, seeking justice in your community, or striving for integrity in your own life, Jesus is with you in your pursuit. He joins you in your desire for righteousness and assures you that your efforts are not in vain. [35:11]
Matthew 5:6
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life, family, or community where you long to see God’s righteousness prevail? What step can you take today to pursue what is right in that area?
Day 4: Becoming Peacemakers and Mature Children of God
True maturity in Christ is seen when we step into conflict not to avoid it, but to bring peace. Peacemakers are those who, like a wise parent, help others reconcile and find common ground, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. This work requires humility, patience, and a willingness to listen and reframe situations with grace. When we act as peacemakers, we reflect the heart of God and are recognized as His mature sons and daughters. Consider where you might be called to bring peace, and trust that God will give you the wisdom and courage to do so. [42:02]
Matthew 5:9
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (ESV)
Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you sense God calling you to be a peacemaker? What practical step could you take this week to help bring reconciliation?
Day 5: Growing Up in Christ—The Journey of Spiritual Maturity
The Beatitudes are not just a list of blessings but a map for spiritual growth, showing us how Jesus meets us in every stage of life and invites us to mature in faith. From our poverty of spirit to our hunger for righteousness, from receiving comfort to becoming peacemakers, Jesus is at work shaping us into people who reflect His character. This journey is lifelong, requiring humility, confession, and a willingness to let God refine us. As we grow, we bring glory to God and become a blessing to others, living lives of purpose and impact. [49:44]
Philippians 1:6
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (ESV)
Reflection: Looking back over your spiritual journey, where do you see evidence of God growing you? What is one area where you sense Him inviting you to take the next step toward maturity?
Quotes
So where is Jesus when life breaks a person? Well, He says, He's up to a particular ministry. He says, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. So what Jesus is up to, because the way to heaven is through the gospel, when our lives are broken, Jesus' ministry to us is to lead us home. [00:29:28] (31 seconds)
Those who call on my name, I will save. This is what Jesus is saying from the mountain. He says, saying, this is where I am. I am listening for that heart cry of the broken person. And my ministry to them is to get them home with me. [00:30:31] (22 seconds)
If you want to know where Jesus is, he's finding his brokenhearted kids trying to let them know there's hope and they can trust him. [00:31:39] (16 seconds)
When people are broken for grief of a loss, whatever that loss is, sometimes it's a loss of a job, sometimes it's a loss of a friendship, a relationship, a loss of health. And deep in your soul, you're just like overwhelmed by the human condition. And you wonder. And you can get lost. It's so easy to get lost in our grief and you wonder, where are you? Jesus said, I am there. [00:32:04] (27 seconds)
And then we as a church, we want to join in Jesus' ministry here. We pick up the phone, we call, we write a card, we pray a prayer. We make some sandwiches for the funeral lunch. We show up at the service. We have a lunch with the one who's grieving. And Jesus says that somehow he is comforting those who are grieving. [00:32:43] (33 seconds)
And little by little by little, unfortunately, I wish it happened in one big snap, but it's a whole lifetime of humbling ourselves before God and asking him to make us holy. You know, make me pure at heart. And then he says, that's where Jesus is at. He is sending his Spirit to convict us of our sin so that we can see God. That we know the reality of the living God. Not a God, but one we can see and know. [00:40:38] (32 seconds)
You get out of childishness and you get into actually being a full -fledged, mature son or daughter of God when you step into these crises and you seek to be a peacemaker. And he says, for they shall be called sons of daughters. You made it. You're like mature now. You've gone to university. You got your job. You're ready to go. [00:43:59] (30 seconds)
And they go and chat about you and talk about, oh, you goody two -shoe or you this or that or the whole other thing. And he says, you know what? Like, that's going to happen. And this is what I'm up to. When you're persecuted, and he's saying, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Like, you are ready for home. Like, this is a guarantee. [00:45:49] (30 seconds)
So when he's standing on this mountain and he's preaching to his disciples, he's saying, I want you to grow up. I want you to grow up. I want you to know what that looks like and tastes like and is like. And I'm telling you, you grow up in this way, I'm with you. I'm there with you. And I will bless you. And this is what life is meant for. [00:50:04] (22 seconds)
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