What is Beatitudes? In the Bible, in Matthew 5 verses 2-11, Jesus told his followers they were blessed in eight ways. We think of being blessed as something good. Likewise, when a person receives money or gifts we tell them they have been blessed. When we give our blessing to someone, it means we wish good things on them. In contrast, these verses describe blessings that come from circumstances we would not consider very good. Therefore, let’s join Little Pot and some bees to see how they compare to the fruit of the Spirit.
Beatitudes in the Message
The Message Bible writes Matthew 5:2-11 a little differently than our traditional versions. It reads:
The Beatitudes of the Bible, NKJV
You may not be a fan of the Message Bible. However, I enjoy seeing how the text interprets the traditional verses I grew up with. In a more traditional Bible version, the text reads:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:2-11 NKJV
Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Beatitudes in Luke
Another place in the bible where we find the Beatitudes is in Luke 6:20-23. This is a more condensed list. It reads:
Blessed are you poor,
Luke 6:20-23 NKJV
For yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
Beatitudes Explanation
Explaining the Beatitudes to children does not have to be difficult. Let’s look at what the word beatitude sounds like. We hear the words “Be” and the word “Attitude”. Children know that being something is important. They know about attitude too. Both these concepts work closely with our lessons on the fruit of the Spirit.
In the story of The Little Pot, Little Pot wants to be something significant each time the potter gives it items to hold. We all want to be important to God and others. However, what grows through us is what makes us fruit-bearing vessels like Little Pot. Little Pot also learns that the fruit that grows inside it is for the purpose of others. Through getting to know Tea Pot, Little Pot learns that its fruit is to serve others. Finally, the pots meet a third vessel named Oil Lamp. Here, readers learn to shine when scared or things seem darkest.
Bee Attitudes to Grow the Fruit of the Spirit
Do you see the similarities between the beatitudes and the fruit of the Spirit? Above all else, we grow the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in hard circumstances. It is when we face tough situations (like the ones mentioned by Jesus in the Beatitudes) that He produces the fruit of the Spirit in us. This fruit is a blessing! Likewise, it is an attitude that allows us…
- Have joy when life is hard and we face loss
- Make peace
- Be patient and gentle, waiting on God
- Show love and kindness to others even when they do not deserve it.
- Be good and pure in a sinful world
- Have self-control and continue to be faithful even when others persecute us.
If we have an attitude that exemplifies the fruit of the Spirit, we will “Be” a vessel that the potter not only uses but one that is BLESSED!
Little Pot Learns a Song
Bees help Little Pot grow fruit. Therefore, let’s pretend that while they are buzzing around pollinating the flowers, they also remind Little Pot of fruitful attitudes. Similarly, we will call them the BEE-Attitudes. In addition, I’ve written a Beatitude Song to help us remember each item in the list of Beatitudes. The song goes to the tune of Do, Re, Mi. “Do, a deer, a female deer….”
Sing to the tune of Do, Re, Me.
-Dawn Stephens
”Doe, a Deer, a female deer…”
Be humble, depend on God.
Be sorry for your sins,
Be obedient all the time,
Be eager: God will win,
Be a friend to everyone,
Be without sin and stay pure,
Be theone for peace and fun,
And be bold and brave for God,
God, God, God
(repeat)
You can download a free copy of the song and learn how each line matches a Beatitude in the Biblical text. Best of all, you will also be added to our Fruitful Friday email list and … “Learn a lot from Little Pot!”
In conclusion, I have one more thing to share because allowing the potter to grow the fruit of the Spirit through us can be tough. That’s why I’ve created seven steps to follow that will allow your life to produce the fruit of the Spirit continually. Plus, the fruitful Friday email each week will tell you about new products, upcoming events, inspirational books, and new creative teaching resources! Get ready to “Learn a lot from Little Pot”
Dawn Stephens
6 Responses