Sunday Devotional: Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Today we start a devotional series on the Beatitudes, which Jesus delivered as part of the so-called “Sermon on the Mount.” This “sermon” is recorded in Matthew’s Gospel, chapters 5-7. Some believe these were sayings of Jesus that were gathered by Matthew into one setting, others believe Jesus delivered this sermon as we have it in Matthew. Since Jesus preached for three years, I find it highly likely that this was not the only occasion he said these things. This would explain why we find versions of these sayings in Luke (that Gospel writer was using a source, or sources, that recorded similar sayings from different occasions). It also leaves open the possibility that Jesus delivered Matthew 5-7 as we have it; frankly, there’s no reason, or evidence, why this could not be the case.

The word “blessed” here also means “happy” (Greek: makarios). Each Beatitude starts with the affirmation that those who fulfill the description are blessed, or have a sense of deep joy and satisfaction (or at least should). To all appearances, these people should not be at all happy, and should in fact be angry and upset. But Jesus is pointing to a deeper joy that comes out of being in these situations while being one of his people (note in verse 2 that Jesus is addressing “his disciples”).

I think Jesus is drawing a parallel here between being physically poor and being spiritually poor. The physically poor have no resources at all. They don’t have a kingdom, perhaps even barely have a place to call home, and food on the table. Dire economic circumstances are not usually a time for joy and celebration. Likewise, spiritual poverty means that you have nothing spiritually of any worth. You have nothing to offer God that would make Him consider you worthy of His attention, or of His blessing.

But Jesus says that those who are in this spiritual condition are recipients of “the Kingdom of Heaven.” This is like saying that the physically poor actually own an entire realm–riches, land, and titles beyond comprehension. I think by this he intends that those who are lacking in spiritual resources actually have at their disposal all the resources of Heaven. Their spiritual cup actually overflows, and they should feel rich. But I don’t think that’s all that is meant. From other places where Jesus talks about the Kingdom of Heaven, I believe this is also shorthand for the church: a realm occupied by those who trust in Christ, that is as yet invisible, but will one day be revealed.

I think we should also consider “poor in spirit” to be the condition that Jesus looks for in those who would come to him. Not only are Jesus’s followers those who lack spiritual worth in themselves, but they are completely reliant upon God for their spiritual well-being. Because we recognize our spiritual poverty, we look to Christ to fulfill our needs. We lean on him alone to supply us with all that makes us worthy to receive the riches of the blessings of God’s Kingdom.

Those who are in Christ, and are “poor in spirit” should rejoice, therefore, that we have a Savior and Redeemer through whom we have peace with God, and by whom we are spiritually worthy to stand in the presence of God and take our place in His Kingdom.

Have a blessed week!