Saturday

Week 2 of Year 5 "They Who are Persecuted"

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For adult study: "They Who are Persecuted"

The story summary and questions were written in a way that makes it possible to use a New Testament reference in place of the Urantia reference. A selected chapter from a 1932 book, Treasure-House of the Living Religions, supports a spiritual theme that is found within the story. Children will use a one page handout that includes a coloring picture.

Paper 140:3.2-11
The Urantia Book

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven

Students may read Paper 140:3.2-11

Jesus climbed a high hill, and his disciples gathered around to hear him teach. He taught them many things about true happiness. One thing he said was, “Happy are they who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” And he said, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.” We also see this written as, “Blessed are they who are persecuted.” It is the eighth Beatitude from the Sermon on the Mount.

Discussion Questions

Jesus was persecuted, and he knew his disciples would face persecution after his death. Can you think of some people today who are persecuted? Why are people persecuted when they stand up for what is right and good?


Procedure for using the PDF handouts with children

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Additional reading:

The Urantia Book divides the eight Beatitudes into two groups. Read about the "four supreme reactions of fatherly love," which includes "they who are persecuted."

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Re: James Zebedee

139:3.8 ... James was thus the first of the twelve to sacrifice his life upon the new battle line of the kingdom. ... 

139:3.9  James lived his life to the full, and when the end came, he bore himself with such grace and fortitude that even his accuser and informer, who attended his trial and execution, was so touched that he rushed away from the scene of James’s death to join himself to the disciples of Jesus.

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New Testament reference

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Chapter 14—Rewards and Punishments—p.59

[Saith the Lord:] 

"Whosoever, whether male or female, worketh righteousness 

and is a true believer— 

we will surely raise to a happy life; 

and we will give them their reward 

according to the utmost merit of their actions."  (Islam)


Verily, there is a reward for the righteous. 

Verily, there is a God Who judgeth in the earth.  (Judaism)


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