| What does Jesus mean by “Blessed are the poor in spirit?” |
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Jesus was preaching to his disciples on the mountain in Matthew 5. In verse three he said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” Jesus is saying that the poor in spirit are fortunate, in a place of well-being. It is to our advantage to be poor in spirit. That does not sound like an advantage! To be poor means to lack, to be without, in need — poor! Nobody wants to be poor. However, Jesus knows that people that consider themselves to be rich, full, without any need in spirit, think that are already in a good place. We are all in need spiritually, but only those who feel their weakness, are conscious of their sin, realize their failure and imperfection before God will be motivated to do better, seek to improve — repent.
If you feel a deep need for God and seek his approval … if you are humbled by your own sin and selfishness … if you consider yourself unworthy and unfruitful, then you are motivated to seek God, seek forgiveness, seek to live worthily and bear fruit. You know you need to do and be better. You are blessed when your heart is desperately seeking God!
Jesus told a parable in Luke 18 that illustrates one who was poor in spirit vs one who was not.
9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Lord, help us feel our spiritual poverty and seek after you. Let me know if you think I can help.
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