Matthew 5:3 - Poor in Spirit

Jesus once preached what has been named "The Sermon on the Mount" because that's where He went to address the crowds that were following him.

We often think of church services ending with a benediction--a blessing on those gathered. But Jesus began this sermon with a whole series of blessings, called the Beatitudes. 

The first one is, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3, New American Standard, 1995)

To be "poor in spirit" is simply to admit that one is spiritually impoverished. We have nothing to offer God that He hasn't already created--including us and all we have. (1 Corinthians 4:7) Even good and kind intentions originated in His loving heart. (Ephesians 2:4-10)

The best illustration of this is when Jesus died, two other men--convicted thieves--were crucified at the same time on either side of Jesus. They both started out mocking Jesus, but one came to his senses and said:

“Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42–43, NASB95) 

The thief could have continued mocking Jesus who was dying the same torturous death. Yet he had courage to admit that he had nothing to offer. Amid a scene of everyone else mocking Jesus, he had faith that Jesus was still going to reign as a king. "Remember me when you come into Your kingdom." To this man who was poor in spirit, Jesus promised him just that.

Lord God, give us the humility admit that we have nothing to offer You except our own need. Accept impoverishment from us as we in turn accept the blessing of You ruling us as our King. In Jesus' name, Amen.