The Beatitudes - Pt 2

 

[Jesus said] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:3 ESV).

 

As we begin our trek through the Beatitudes it is helpful to read the words of Augustine as he begins his exposition of these virtues:

 

“If any one will piously and soberly consider the sermon which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke on the mount, as we read it in the Gospel according to Matthew, I think that he will find in it, so far as regards the highest morals, a perfect standard of the Christian life: and this we do not rashly venture to promise, but gather it from the very words of the Lord Himself. For the sermon itself is brought to a close in such a way, that it is clear there are in it all the precepts which go to mould the life.”

 

We can find “a perfect standard of the Christian life” in the teaching of Jesus here. Our problem, as is often the case, is in the interpretation of these words. So, today, we consider what Jesus means when He indicates our focus should be in being “poor in spirit.” The Greek word used for “poor” is πτωχός (ptóchos). It is a straight-forward word used over 30 times in the New Testament. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance it means “to crouch; akin to ptoeo and the alternate of pipto.” It may be translated as beggar (as cringing). The idea is that of a pauper strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy.” It has then been translated as “poor.” The idea is “bankrupt.”

 

Jesus then qualifies this description by saying it abject poverty “in spirit.” This refers to spiritual humility. It describes someone who recognizes their spiritual bankruptcy, their inability to earn salvation, and their complete dependence on God. There is no other way to gain the Kingdom of God.

 

I always find it interesting how so many people somehow believe at some level that they can do enough good things to balance the bad, perhaps even outweighing the bad enough that they can gain the Kingdom of God which they so desperately seek. The prophet Isaiah wrote: “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isaiah 64:6 ESV). 

The only source of assurance in eternal life is in the gift of God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Faith in His work and the humility that comes from it results in heaven! What are you trusting in?