Poor In Spirit
Matthew 5:3
The Upward Look
© Copyright 2011, Max D. Hutto,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3 NASB
Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes. These “blessed” statements are the foundation for the remainder of the sermon. They describe the character qualities of a disciple. The word “blessed” describes an inner satisfaction of happiness and joyfulness that comes, not through circumstances, but through trust and commitment to God. A disciple is to be “poor in spirit” which refers to being spiritually empty and bankrupt, not impoverished or physically poor. It is the recognition that one has no righteousness on his own and must humbly depend totally on God’s mercy. Because the disciple is “poor in spirit,” he gains access to God and His kingdom.
Lord Jesus, my salvation is totally dependent on Your mercy and grace. It is only by Your blood shed on the cross that I am cleansed and made a part of Your Kingdom.
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