“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus speaking in Matthew 5:3 NIV
Let’s examine the phrase
“poor in spirit”
In school, in sports, in our occupations,
we are encouraged to live life with gusto,
to give it all for “the gipper”.
(an old Knute Rockne movie
starring Ronald Reagan)
In short, we are encouraged:
“to be bold, be brave, be assertive.”
We all like speakers who are energetic,
and passionate about their message.
Then Jesus says:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit”
What? What does that mean?
Now most of us figure we need to listen to
what Jesus has to say. Whether you believe
He is the Son of God.
(I do believe this to be true.)
Or whether you believe He is one
of the greatest men to ever live.
(I believe that too. Well actually I believe
He is the greatest man to ever live.)
Or maybe you think you know more than Jesus.
Might I suggest a piece of Humble Pie.
He did say that the poor in spirit are blessed.
He also said they can look forward to heaven.
But what does Jesus mean by
“poor in spirit”?
Another translation says it this way:
“Blessed are those who are spiritually needy.
The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”
(Matthew 5:3 NIrV)
The idea being that in a spiritual sense,
we are open to things of the Lord.
It is humbling for us to admit
we are not that expert on
“things of a spiritual nature”.
But if we are willing to admit this,
we have taken a giant step towards
becoming “poor in spirit”
We are well positioned
to grow in our trust in the Lord.
And in His Word.