Seen (Part 8): Seeing the Persecuted

TO START: Today, we are in the eighth week of our series, Seen, where we are relearning to see the world and people the way Jesus saw them during his time on earth. Each week, we are walking through one of Jesus' Beatitudes.

This week, we unpack Jesus’ words to those who are persecuted because of righteousness—those who remain faithful to God even when it comes at a cost. Jesus reminds us that following him won’t always be easy or accepted, but even in the face of opposition, we are never forgotten. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who remain faithful.

TO READ: Matthew 5:1-12 (focus on v.10-12)

TO DISCUSS:

(1.) When your faith puts you at odds with the people around you, do you tend to lean in or back away? In leaning in, do you find yourself defensive and unkind or calm and generous?

(2.) How does knowing that Christians around the world are experiencing persecution today change the way you think about your own faith and the way you pray for others?

(3.) What would it look like for you to “take up your cross” in your everyday life—not necessarily by dying for Jesus, but by choosing faithfulness to Jesus when it costs you something?

(4.) When have you seen someone choose faithfulness over comfort or acceptance?

TO PRAY:

To close this week, spend some time praying together. Ask the Lord: Who in my life or around me do I need to be praying for and supporting because they are persecuted for righteousness sake? 

One way to do this could be to sit in silence with this question before the Lord and ask for God to highlight a specific person. Then, either have folks turn to the group member closest to them to share who they’re praying for OR everyone can share with the whole group. Then, spend a few minutes praying for those people together. Finally, ask God to show you one way you can love and honor that person this week.