Rotation.org Writing Team

The Beatitudes

Bible Skills and Games Workshop 

Summary of Activities

Students play a matching game that reinforces their memory of the Beatitudes and also teaches the "spiritual traits" and the "opposite trait" that Jesus was driving at in each Beatitude.

The game in this workshop lesson includes the scripture reading, and opportunities for elaboration by the teacher, and a reflection. Special adaptation notes enable use of the game with non-readers.

Scripture for the Lesson

Matthew 5: 1-12, The Beatitudes  (Read as the first activity in the Beatitudes Game.)

There are two Bible "skills" being emphasized in this workshop:

(1) Scripture memory
(2) Understanding how a word study helps us unlock the meaning Jesus intended.

This lesson is a good example of how "games" in the Rotation Model's Bible Skills and Games Workshop do not have to occur "after the scripture and discussion," where most traditional lesson plans put them. Rather, the game in this lesson encompasses reading scripture, remembering it, and understanding it.

Lesson Objectives

See the Bible Background at rotation.org for this set's complete list of objectives.  This lesson draws heavily on the material in the Background.

Preparation and Materials

• Read the Bible Background and scripture.
• Print the Beatitudes Game Chart (attached to this lesson in two available formats).
• Set up the gameboard (recreated from the attached chart) on the wall, overhead, or large piece of butcher paper. (See adaptation notes for making it into a floor game.)
• Print enlarged copies of the game "pieces" and place in envelopes (see game instructions for details).
• Flip chart or board for score keeping.
• Index cards for "Hint and Help" cards.

Attached to this lesson are two formats of the Beatitudes Game Chart:  

1. A PDF for those using the NRSV and who don't want to change any wording in the game pieces.
2. A Word.docx version so you can change any wording. 

Note 2 from Bible Background: Many scholars/churches do not include verses 11 and 12 as a Beatitude, and thus, only count eight Beatitudes. There are nine "blessed" statements, however, the ninth blessed statement in v 11-2 doesn't follow the format of the first eight. It is longer and says, "blessed are you...," instead of, "blessed are the..."   And the ninth also specifically pertains to Jesus.

For the attached game chart we've included  verses 11 and 12 for those churches who wish to use them.

You may include or exclude it.

Lesson Plan

Open

Welcome your students and see how much they know about the Beatitudes. Describe the game they are about to play, and then get organized.

The Beatitudes Matching Game

See the game instructions on the printable Beatitudes Game Chart attached at the end of this lesson at Rotation.org.

The game instructions tell you how to set up the Beatitudes Matching Game, andincludes the Scripture Reading within the game.

Reflect

After the matching game....
The following question can be asked at the end of the Beatitudes matching game and awarded points. 

If you had to sum up ALL the Beatitudes and everything you have learned about them today, what one Beatitude would you write?  Your answer must be in the format of a Beatitude... beginning with "Blessed/Full/Wealthy are the ....." and its second half being the reward/promise -just like Jesus phrased them.

Give students 3 or 4 minutes to write down their Beatitude then share with the class.

As part of your final comments, you will then throw out the scores* they accumulated in the matching game and emphasize Jesus' "Beatific" point of view: that it is the humble seeker who is rewarded, and not those who "think" they have already achieved or done enough, or somehow "better" than others. Our reward is knowing we have the right attitude -the same that Jesus had, and are a beloved part of God's Kingdom.

*Scoring in a game focuses attention and by adding a "fun tension" it aids memory formation.  But as Jesus taught us, it's our attitude that counts most in the Kingdom. Those who "keep score in life" often keep score of the wrong things, ...as the Beatitudes point out. This is the point you need to make at the end of the game.

Adaptations

For Younger Students: The text of the game is too difficult for non-readers. Instead, use the following game adaptation (which refers to the game instructions found on the attached game chart). 

To adapt this game for non-readers:

• Skip Round 1 and go straight to Rounds 2 and 3.
• Hold on to the game pieces. When it’s a team’s turn, let them draw the game piece out of a basket.
• In Round 2, go to the game board and read two of the Beatitudes aloud -one that’s the correct match, and one that an incorrect match, then ask them which of the two Beatitudes you read was the correct match. If they get it right, award points. If they get it wrong, put the slip back in the basket and move on to the next team and let them draw a game piece out of the basket.
• In Round 3, “Spiritual Traits,” let them draw a game piece. Then ask, “which of these two Beatitudes is about (name the spiritual trait they drew)” and then read two Beatitudes (one correct, one incorrect).

Floor Game Option: Draw or tape a set of 10 to 12 parallel lines on the floor, marking one "begin" and the other "finish." (Or use a painted "game board" tarp you may have created for another lesson.) Then, ask simplified questions based on the chart info, and have them raise their hands to vote. Correct answers step to the next line. For the reflection, visibly demonstrate and discuss how "Beatitude Christians" would help others take steps forward, instead of trying to "beat" others. The finish line is acting like Jesus in love, not "who's in" or "who's out."

For Youth or Extended Study: Have students brainstorm the examples from Jesus' life that demonstrate each Beatitude. See the "Jesus Example" column in the game chart for ideas.

Written for the Rotation.org Writing Team
by Neil MacQueen, with contributions from
Carol Hulbert, Amy Crane, Cathy Walz, and Anne Camp
Copyright 2016, Rotation.org Inc.