"The Words of Jesus #6 – Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit" by Chris Godbey
- Bruce Nichols
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
[Matthew 5:3 NASB95] 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew chapter 5 is the beginning of what is known as Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. A discourse to believers highlighting the ways in which we should live in the world characterized by a new behavior that’s been transformed by Christ. It covers Matthew chapters 5, 6 & 7. It is a great portion of Scripture to read frequently and evaluate your walk with Christ.
Once His disciples gather around Him, Jesus opens with “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” which seems like a contradiction. How could it be a blessing to be poor in spirit? I thought the Christian life was joy that never ends? It is! But, before we come to Jesus, we must come to the end of ourselves. Pride and arrogance have no place in the Christian’s walk.
Let’s look at Psalm 51 as an example. In this Psalm David is pouring out his heart to GOD for the wrong that he has committed (adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband killed by placing him on the front lines of battle [see 2 Samuel 11 & 12]). Here’s David in his own words, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me. ... Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. ... Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” [Psalm 51:2-3, 5, 10]
Now, that’s an example of “poor in spirit.” We must know our right place before GOD. We have nothing to offer Him, except our praise and brokenness, praying that He would make us whole. We come pleading and asking for forgiveness in Christ’s name.
David continues in Psalm 51, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. ... O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” [Psalm 51:10, 15-17]
Do you know that you are a sinner in desperate need of a Savior? If so, then Jesus says to you, “Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
