Jesus tells his disciples what the true nature of happiness is and prepares them so that they will be able to rejoice in the sorrows that lie ahead. How are you handling this Coronavirus pandemic? What if your greatest treasure was taken away? What is your greatest treasure? Christians are called to a battle of trust and of treasure — will we trust God in our battle and will we treasure Jesus more than anything? This passage helps us deal directly with this pandemic and teaches us how we can rejoice in the midst of great sorrow.

The hope the Bible gives, is not escape or deliverance from suffering, but rather victory over suffering. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?" (Romans 8:35). The answer is nobody and nothing. "In all these things [Christians] are more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37). The cross of Christ calls us to suffer and secures our triumph. Suffering is certain. Salvation is sure.

1. Name some things that make you happy (personally)?

2. What does it mean to experience the blessings of God?

3. Read Luke 6v23 and Mt 5:12. How is it possible to rejoice under such circumstances?

4. Read John 16:16-33, how does this statement of Jesus in verse 33, help us, to overcome the world?

5. In these Beatitudes, Jesus is calling us to trust and treasure Him more than anything. Quote some verses that could be used to encourage others in trials and suffering?