1. The Beatitudes
On the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaims to the Jews the beatitudes – values and the lifestyle that characterize those who live in God’s kingdom now and who will someday live God’s promises to the full
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God
Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” – Matthew 5:3-10

2. Parables of the Kingdom
Parables are stories Jesus told to describe
God and what the Kingdom of Heaven was like
Parable of the Good Samaritan
Just because you are “respectable” or religious does not mean you will enter the Kingdom of Heaven
God’s Kingdom is open to everyone
Parable of the Lost Sheep
God cares about those people who are lost, the sinners, the ones everyone else has given up on.
To be like God, help those who are lost
If you are lost, God is trying to find you and bring you home

3. The Response to Jesus Many people noticed Jesus and clung to him
They were suffering and Jesus was the Messiah and helped them relieve some of the pain
The Jewish people were looking for a military leader who would make them masters of their destiny and make them rich
Jesus told them to turn the other cheek, do acts of service, and give to the poor
**Many people thought it was difficult to live the way Jesus preached, many continued to follow Jesus but others turned away

4. Other responses to Jesus
The political, social and religious leaders were threatened by Jesus
Many Jewish leaders rejected Jesus as the Messiah
He loved the Jewish heritage (the Law) and criticized people who did not help the poor or needy
The Roman leaders were afraid of Jesus because he spoke of freedom and equality
Jesus ultimately was put to death on the cross

6. Love One Another
At the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Gospel of John 15:12 – 15)
Christians celebrate the Last Supper in the Eucharist – It is a celebration of love and God’s Kingdom on earth