One of the most popular sections of the “Sermon on the Mount” is at the beginning, known as the beatitudes. This is where Jesus identifies different people who are blessed. Two of the beatitudes specifically identify people in seemingly undesirable situations and calls these people blessed because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)
- Poor in Spirit –
- The word translated “poor” in this instance from the Greek is rooted in the word that means to crouch down. The word carries a picture of being helpless, powerless, and destitute of wealth, position and honor.
- To be “poor in spirit” is about recognizing the inward poverty and powerlessness of our own spirit by itself.
- “Spiritual poverty” allows a person to see that the kingdom they can build does not compete with the Kingdom of God.
- Seeing ourselves in this state allows us to turn to the richness of God’s Kingdom through Jesus Christ.
- Only those who are “crouched in spirit” are able to become citizens of the Kingdom of God.
- The poor and crouched spirit is eager for the Holy Spirit of God to enter and empower.
- To be “poor in spirit” is the first of the beatitudes and sets the stage for all others. All of us must first be poor in spirit. There is no entry into the Kingdom without first realizing our spiritual state, and allowing Christ Jesus to replace our spirit with His Spirit.
- Persecuted for the sake of Righteousness –
- Not much further along in the sermon is when Jesus will say, “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness.”
- Obviously, Jesus is not asking people to go out and find persecution. The encouragement here is to simply live a righteous life.
- Some say this is the last beatitude. This does make sense, as it reminds the persecuted person about their heavenly Kingdom.
It is important to note that Jesus did not say the Kingdom “will belong” to them.
The Kingdom is already theirs!
Between the first and last blessing are 6 other blessings: comfort, satisfaction, mercy, seeing God, becoming children of God, receiving a great reward in heaven. I first hope you and I start this year with a full recognition of our first blessing:
The Kingdom of Heaven is yours!
Ideas for reflection or discussion as you Seek the Kingdom:
- List: Make a list of at least the blessings God has done for you. Do you see your blessing from anything mentioned in the blessings from Matthew 5?
- Consider: Have you recognized the poverty of your own spirit? Have you determined to live a life that is righteous in God’s sight? Do you live your life as if the Kingdom of God is already within you?
- Pray: You may need to ask God to help you see the poverty of your broken spirit. This will lead to the greatest blessing of all…citizenship in the Kingdom of heaven. Then, ask God to help you seek His Kingdom and His righteousness in all situations. Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit to renew and refresh your heart, mind and life. Ask God for new vision for what lies ahead, and power to step into the future with confidence and courage, knowing that the Kingdom is already yours.