Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit
Matthew 5:3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
In Matthew chapter five, Jesus teaches his first sermon about the kingdom of heaven in what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus taught about the new kingdom and how to live in this kingdom. This new kingdom was not about the external following of the law but about the internal transformation that happens within God's people. Tim Keller calls this the "inside-out kingdom."
The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes. Beatitude comes from the Latin word meaning "blessed"; thus, each beatitude begins with "blessed are." In the Greek, blessed is the word makarios which describes a joy that is serene and untouchable, a joy that is sustainable because it supersedes earthly life and circumstances; it is a joy that comes from the Lord.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" begins the list of beatitudes. This statement was shocking to the Jews. They believed that wealth was an indication of blessing from the Lord. How could it be that the poor were the blessed ones? Jesus did not address earthly riches, though he certainly will later. Instead, he addressed one's spirit. The problem with many of the Jews, especially the Jewish leaders, was that they considered themselves rich in deeds and righteousness. Little did they know that their outward performances were not pleasing to the Father in heaven.
Jesus called his followers to recognize their sin and inability to follow the law. Those who saw their sin and were broken by their sin would be the very ones who experienced his kingdom and the blessings of his kingdom. Even the best followers of Jesus had nothing to bring him; they had nothing that could earn his love and approval. The poor in spirit are the ones who realize that before a holy God they stand bankrupt. There is absolutely nothing they can do to earn God's love and approval. It is by his grace alone that they can hope to enter the kingdom of heaven. They were the ones who would receive Jesus and his gospel proclamation. As the Gospel of Matthew continues, we see that it is the tax collectors, the prostitutes, and the notorious sinners who received the kingdom of heaven. They are commended for their faithfulness much to the chagrin of the religious leaders who shunned such sinners.
Jesus truly did turn religion upside down and inside out with his teachings. He still does today. While our world is focused on external appearances, Jesus looks on the inside. He looks for the broken, for those who recognize their sin and their need for his salvation. When we acknowledge that we come to the Lord with empty hands, then we too will be blessed and given the kingdom of heaven.
Reflection:
Are you a middle-class Christian, one who thinks you are doing okay with your faith in this world? Or are you willing to be honest about the depths of your sin and inability to please God on your own, to realize that you are bankrupt before a holy God? Can you take some time this morning to come to the Lord with empty hands and an open heart?
In Matthew chapter five, Jesus teaches his first sermon about the kingdom of heaven in what is known as the Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus taught about the new kingdom and how to live in this kingdom. This new kingdom was not about the external following of the law but about the internal transformation that happens within God's people. Tim Keller calls this the "inside-out kingdom."
The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes. Beatitude comes from the Latin word meaning "blessed"; thus, each beatitude begins with "blessed are." In the Greek, blessed is the word makarios which describes a joy that is serene and untouchable, a joy that is sustainable because it supersedes earthly life and circumstances; it is a joy that comes from the Lord.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" begins the list of beatitudes. This statement was shocking to the Jews. They believed that wealth was an indication of blessing from the Lord. How could it be that the poor were the blessed ones? Jesus did not address earthly riches, though he certainly will later. Instead, he addressed one's spirit. The problem with many of the Jews, especially the Jewish leaders, was that they considered themselves rich in deeds and righteousness. Little did they know that their outward performances were not pleasing to the Father in heaven.
Jesus called his followers to recognize their sin and inability to follow the law. Those who saw their sin and were broken by their sin would be the very ones who experienced his kingdom and the blessings of his kingdom. Even the best followers of Jesus had nothing to bring him; they had nothing that could earn his love and approval. The poor in spirit are the ones who realize that before a holy God they stand bankrupt. There is absolutely nothing they can do to earn God's love and approval. It is by his grace alone that they can hope to enter the kingdom of heaven. They were the ones who would receive Jesus and his gospel proclamation. As the Gospel of Matthew continues, we see that it is the tax collectors, the prostitutes, and the notorious sinners who received the kingdom of heaven. They are commended for their faithfulness much to the chagrin of the religious leaders who shunned such sinners.
Jesus truly did turn religion upside down and inside out with his teachings. He still does today. While our world is focused on external appearances, Jesus looks on the inside. He looks for the broken, for those who recognize their sin and their need for his salvation. When we acknowledge that we come to the Lord with empty hands, then we too will be blessed and given the kingdom of heaven.
Reflection:
Are you a middle-class Christian, one who thinks you are doing okay with your faith in this world? Or are you willing to be honest about the depths of your sin and inability to please God on your own, to realize that you are bankrupt before a holy God? Can you take some time this morning to come to the Lord with empty hands and an open heart?
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