Matthew 5:3

Friday, 8 November 2024

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

“Blessed the poor of the spirit.
For the kingdom of the heavens, it is theirs” (CG).

In the previous verse, it noted that Jesus opened His mouth and taught the disciples. Now, the words of Jesus are recorded by Matthew, beginning with, “Blessed the poor of the spirit.”

This is the first use of the word makarios, blessed, in the New Testament. It is a prolonged form of the poetical makar, meaning happy. As such, it extends the meaning to mean blessed, fortunate, etc. It is the state “when God extends His benefits” (HELPS Word Studies).

The word is different than another word translated as bless or blessed, eulogeó. The first speaks of the state of being blessed, while the other speaks of the act of blessing or the reception of a blessing by another. The latter will first be seen in Matthew 5:44. Of the word now being used, Vincent’s Word Studies says –

“Its root is supposed to be a word meaning great, and its earlier meaning appears to be limited to outward prosperity; so that it is used at times as synonymous with rich.”

As such, and if this meaning was understood in its usage by the audience, they would be hearing what would seem to be a contradiction, “Rich are the poor...” Luke 6:20 translates it without the extra words “of the spirit” and says only “Blessed are you poor.”

The reason for such a state of blessing is that in being rich, there are the usual problems that arise with that state. People who are rich tend to have trust in their things. They are often built up with pride and arrogance. People who are poor in spirit have no such ideas about themselves. There are no worries about robbers coming to steal, there are no worries about if their wealth will be lost in a fire, etc.

In such a state, they are blessed because as a general rule, they acknowledge their dependence on providence, on God, on the help of others, etc. Because Jesus is speaking to the people of Israel, it would be understood that the poverty of those He was speaking to would draw them closer to a relationship with the Lord.

On the other hand, those with great wealth would be concerned about the affairs and things of this life. A state of God’s blessedness would normally not exist in such people.

The idea of being poor in spirit could extend even beyond riches to indicate what occurs with being poor, which is the state of humility. Therefore, even a rich person – if he was a humble soul – could be considered blessed. Although this would be a more difficult state to exist in. Therefore, the words of Luke 6:24 are given to show the normal way things are, which contrast to those who are poor of the spirit. There He says, “But woe to you who are rich.”

Of those in this verse, however, He next says, “For the kingdom of the heavens, it is theirs.” Those who placed their trust in the Lord, not in wealth or riches, were those who were more likely to receive what God offers. This is a precept found throughout Scripture –

“Those who trust in the Lord
Are like Mount Zion,
Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” Psalm 125:1

The words that contrast this in Luke 6:24 must be taken in a general sense. In Matthew 19 it will say –

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’
25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’
26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthews 19:23-26

Jesus makes access to the kingdom of God possible, even for the rich. But this applies to those who are not trusting in themselves or their riches but in the work of the Lord.

Life application: Throughout the ages, there have been those who have taught or lived in a manner not intended by the words of Jesus in this verse. They have walked away from wealth, fearing they would not enter the kingdom of God. They have lived in monasteries, taken vows of poverty, and so forth.

The problem with such things is that this is not what the Bible teaches about salvation. Someone who does this may not be trusting in the Lord at all. He may be trusting in himself, through his vow of poverty, to merit God’s promises. If he is trusting in his own deeds, he is not trusting in Jesus.

Everything in context! To obtain our doctrine concerning salvation, we need to read the epistles that come after Christ’s completed work. It is these letters that reveal the knowledge needed to understand how to be saved. These letters never tell us to renounce worldly wealth. For example, Paul says –

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Paul doesn’t command the rich to become poor. Rather, he tells them not to trust in such things. Be sure to keep things in their proper context, and be sure to not take every statement as an all-encompassing proclamation. There are those who are poor and who are at complete odds with God. There are some who are rich who walk closely with Him all their days.

Lord God, whatever we possess in this world is temporary and can be lost or stolen. May we not set our hearts upon such things. Rather, may we lean on You at all times and understand that our only hope of salvation is through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. In Him alone is our true peace with You to be found. Amen.