The Beatitudes (1)

An examination of the beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-5

Verse 3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The “poor in spirit” are those who realize their spiritual ineptness apart from Christ. The “poor in spirit” understand their absolute dependence on Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of their sin. They comprehend their need of a savior and their need of salvation.

The reward for the “poor in spirit” is the “kingdom of heaven.” As Believers trust Christ and are converted, they enter into the kingdom as citizens. This kingdom is now a spiritual reality. Yet, it portends a day when the kingdom will be literal and visible. (Ch. 6:10)

Verse 4

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

Mourning is a part of life on this planet. Due to the effects of sin on our world, death, disease, and pain are ever with us. And because these realities are ever-present, we mourn.

While mourning is common from these causes perhaps there is another variety of mourning we need to see in this verse. We should also mourn for the effects of sin on our spiritual lives. We ought to mourn over the rebellion we have wrought and call to God for mercy.

Let us mourn over sin and turn to Christ for salvation.  May we confess our sins so that we grow in our faith day by day.

Those who mourn are comforted. The proud receive no comfort at all. Find your comfort today through the forgiving power of Christ.

Verse 5

Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Meekness is not weakness. Meekness (or gentle in spirit) is defined as power under control. True gentleness requires an extraordinary spiritual power that flows to us from the Spirit of God. It requires power, strength, and self-control.

It takes no power or strength at all to be ruled by our desires, our appetites, and our temper. Anyone can do that.  True meekness absorbs the insults without responding and is contrary to our revenge-filled culture.

Jesus is our ultimate example of meekness. (Isaiah 53) Following His teaching and His example will lead us to a great inheritance that cannot be taken away.

Tony French