The Beatitudes - Pt 4

 

[Jesus said] “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 ESV).

 

I remember well the first time I translated this verse from Greek. I was in my first semester of Greek at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. My professor, Dr. Doug Ezell, asked the class, “What did you find unusual in the assigned text.” Since there were so many more experienced students of the Bible, I was hesitant to say anything. One student, who was very eager to impress everyone with his acumen in the Scripture, began to talk about the importance of the word translated “meek” to the authority and organization of both the family and the church. Dr. Ezell was very patient and allowed him to go on for a bit. After the student had finished his sermonette, Dr. Ezell, said, nice sermonette, but you are wrong.” I was terrified to speak for sure then. Surely I couldn’t be correct.

 

No one dared offer their opinion. Sitting on the front row with my notes in front of me, he looked at me and said, “Don, what do you think?” My first thought was not something I would want to write in this context; however, I gathered myself and said, “I think Jesus was describing strength under control, power rightly directed.” To my amazement, he walked to my desk and scribbled an “A” on my assignment!

 

In biblical contexts, meekness (from the Greek word praüs) does not mean weakness or passivity. It is often described as strength under control. The ancient Greeks used this term to describe a wild horse that had been broken and trained for service. When Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth," He is not talking about being passive or weak, biblical meekness is defined as strength under control—a posture of deliberate humility, holy restraint, and absolute trust in God's sovereignty. It is achieved through relationship not position like the Pharisees.

 

The result of such strength is the “inheriting of the earth.” It is clear that if you want power, you must be willing to be under the control of the greatest power found only in the Holy Spirit of God. It is the perfect picture of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Are you willing to serve?