Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3 NIV
This verse is the first of the sayings of the Lord Jesus unto His disciples who climbed the mount to be with Him. It is also the first of the beatitudes, the kingdom lifestyle. Meanwhile, it is important to note again that it is only those who have come to the ‘mount’ to be with Jesus that can gain access into the mysteries of the kingdom. So, as Jesus sat down to teach them, He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
To be poor in spirit is not referring to being poor in worldly circumstances. It is not in a purse or any other temporal substance pertaining to this world. The truth is that all mankind is spiritually poor. This implies having nothing to eat that is fit and proper for their spirit, and no clothes to cover their spiritual nakedness. They have no money to buy with. All are in debt and have nothing to pay; and in such a miserable condition, they cannot help themselves. The greater part of this miserable condition is the failure to acknowledge it. They are insensible of this condition but think themselves rich. All without Christ are wretched, blind, naked, and poor.
However, to be poor in spirit is to be sensible of this condition. It means to see one’s poverty and want, freely acknowledge it, bewail it, and mourn over it. Such a person is humbled for it and seeks after the true riches, both grace and glory. It also means to frankly acknowledge, that all you have, or hope to have, is owing to the free grace of God.
The Blessedness of Being Poor in the Spirit
Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need. God’s kingdom belongs to them.
Matthew 5:3 ERV
It is unto those who acknowledge their spiritual need that great blessings belong. Meanwhile, it is also important to note that the blessedness does not consist of earthly things. It is not to be assumed that they would live a wretched life on earth, living from hand to mouth.
On the contrary, “Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs, is the kingdom of heaven!” (AMPC)
“… for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This is what the Lord said. The kingdom of heaven is for those who are poor in spirit. Though they are poor in spirit, they possess the kingdom of heaven.
