Beatitude Project

This project asks you to really interact and grapple with the Biblical Sermon on the Mount found in book of Matthew chapter 5. The result of your research, reflection and study will be a written document as well as a work of art. The written part has two parts (NOTE: each are quite short!)

There are some specific requirements in your research. There is not just one right answer but several possibilities and all will be accepted if you back them up with support and evidence. Remember that real Bible Study starts with you and then includes a community (people and text) to bounce your ideas off of and to interact with.

The big picture is that we are trying to figure out what the possibilities are of what Jesus could really have meant in his teaching on the mountainside.

Step One: There are eight Beatitudes. Pick one to do your project on.

Step Two: Prepare to write the first part: Read the Beatitude in at least three different versions (including the Message). Write down what you think Jesus meant by these teachings. Use a Bible dictionary and Barclay’s Commentary (and other commentaries at your disposal). You may borrow ideas from these helpful books but you must put it in your own words. You need to define each word in your beatitude and then speculate on what it all means put together. Provide support for your opinion by referring to things you know about Jesus, the professional (commentators), common understandings of faith. Please use inclusive language in your write up despite the lack of it in the Bible and commentaries you are reading, since Jesus undoubtedly meant these teaching for all. MINIMUM 200 words. (please include a computer “word count” if you are on the border...)

Step Three: CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING

a) Now that you have an understanding of the beatitude, reflect on how it might relate to our life NOW. The beatitudes were not meant only for the people of Jesus’ time, they are also meant for us today. Search your memory, magazines, newspaper (and/or your parent’s recollection) for a recent public figure or organization who lived/lives out your beatitude. Write out a detailed example of how they relate to your beatitude. Be sure to show how this situation fits in with Jesus’ teaching. You may only be able to speculate if they received the “blessing” part but be sure the description of the circumstance fits. MINIMUM 200 words. OR

Bring the beatitude even closer to home by thinking of someone you know personally who has lived out your beatitude. Write out a detailed example of how they relate to your beatitude. Be sure to show how this situation fits in with Jesus’ teaching. You may only be able to speculate if they received the “blessing” part but be sure the description of the circumstance fits. Clearly show how they are similar, do not make me guess. Explain your logic. MINIMUM 200 words.

Step Four: Be creative. Make the meaning and heart of your beatitude come alive in a creative form. You may want to draw, paint, sculpt, craft, sketch, compose music, etc. Include a brief description of your art form and its significance/symbolism.

Due Date

Marking Scheme

Part One Do you show understanding of each of the words in your beatitude? Do you make logical steps to interpret the entire meaning of the beatitude? Do you refer to the commentaries? Do you support your opinions with proof from the Bible, references to texts and logic? Do you use inclusive language?

10 marks

Part Two Do you give appropriate details of the person or organization? Do you clearly link the beatitude to the story?

10 marks

Part Three Do you illustrate the heart and basic meaning of the beatitude? Is your art creative? Does you description clearly explain your piece and link it to the beatitude?

10 marks

Overall Did you edit for spelling, grammar and flow? Is the formatting appropriate?