“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3 ESV).
Jesus gifted the world with the divine revelation of true blessedness. A blessedness that surpasses the ideologies of the world and flawed human sensibilities.
Jesus taught that there is a blessedness that comes to those who belong to the kingdom—regardless of status or situation. It’s not earned, purchased, or assigned by earthly powers.
Counted as but one of the gifts of these pronounced beatitudes is that their blessedness belongs to the least—the powerless and unimportant. Because those who are recipients of God’s grace, and because “theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” they are the ones who are truly “blessed” (Matthew 5:2-12).
The Beatitudes preached by the King of heaven and earth has been labeled the “manifesto” by which citizens of His kingdom live. A scholar once noted that the combined Beatitudes serve as Jesus’ biography.
Undoubtedly, the blessedness Jesus pronounced is puzzling to most. The entire Sermon can easily fill a lifetime with meditation. But it is more than gaining insight. It is a calling to which Christ-followers are to be obedient. And when we do, we portray Jesus in this world. We express His gift of blessedness.
Those who are humble and lowly, whose hearts are pierced by grief, the surrendered, those passionate for righteousness, those who extend mercy, act with pure motives, who actively promote peace, even in the face of persecution for the sake of what’s right, are the blessed.
It hardly seems like the earth’s standard for blessedness. But isn’t that the point? It’s above and beyond. It’s heavenly! For where you find these, heaven and earth meet. Then the gift of the Lord’s blessedness is made visible. It is a blessedness only made possible by grace upon grace. Grace for righteous living in a kingdom “where the righteous will shine like the sun” (Matthew 13:43) because of the all-surpassing love for God and neighbor.
Gracious Father, make us salt and light by crowning our lives with these beatitudes. Shine the characteristics of our Lord through us as we act—so others will see and praise our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).
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