Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Each Wednesday over the next two months we’ll journey through one of the nine beatitudes in Matthew 5. Beatitudes comes from the Latin word for blessing - or a deep sense of happiness and fulfillment. This is not a list for us to check off in order to attain the blessed life, but statements Jesus made about what life in the Kingdom is like.

Each blessed statement is followed with a reason and the 1st and 8th bookend with the same reason - “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. Jesus is teaching that all blessing is found within his kingdom. The 6 other statements in between describe what the kingdom life looks like - being filled, comforted, seeing God, etc. Finally, there is a ‘bonus’ 9th statement of the blessed, which reminds us that though Jesus has already brought the Kingdom in part, it is not yet here in full - but to hold on for hope until it comes.

READ

Let’s start with the first blessed statement:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
— Jesus, from Matthew 5:3

Take some time to read this verse a few times over. Then, listen to the audio below for a short 5 minute message. Finally, use the questions at the end to reflect on this verse.

LISTEN

REFLECT

  • What does poor in spirit mean to you?

  • What currency do you attempt to buy your way into the Kingdom with? (knowledge, works, status, etc.)

  • What fears might be in the way of you letting that currency go and recognizing you are in complete need of Jesus to heal you?

  • Take a moment to acknowledge to the LORD that you are poor in spirit. Remember the promise that comes with that acknowledgement.