Seen (Part 6): Seeing the Longing

TO START: Today, we are in the sixth 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 Sunday, we unpacked Jesus’ promise to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness—those who deeply long for what is right, just, and pleasing to God. Jesus reminds us that this hunger is not overlooked or forgotten; God promises that those who seek righteousness will be filled. Our deepest longing finds its fulfillment in the God who alone can satisfy.

TO READ: Matthew 5:1-12 (focus on v.6)

TO DISCUSS:

(1.) When you hear the words “hunger and thirst for righteousness,” what picture, story, or person comes to mind? What do you think that kind of longing looks like in everyday life?

(2.) In the sermon, Luke describes those who hunger and thirst for righteousness as people who long to see what is empty, made whole, those who are hurting, healed, etc… What makes it difficult for you to see and recognize that kind of hunger in the people around you?

(3.) We can struggle to respond to this kind of hunger because we’re distracted, overwhelmed by where to begin, or hesitant when hungering and thirsting for God feels too intense or overly spiritual. Which of these do you most identify with, and what might it reveal about how you respond to places of lack or longing—in yourself or in others?

(4.) Jesus promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. What might it look like for you to honor that hunger by asking God to fill you again—to renew your desire for His righteousness and deepen your longing for what He longs for?

TO PRAY:

To close this week, spend some time praying together. Ask the Lord: Who in your life is growing/exemplifying their hunger and thirst for righteousness right now?

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.