Many hear this first beatitude from the Sermon on the Mount* and believe that Jesus is talking about those who are economically poor.  However, it describes those who are spiritually poor.  Meaning they are bankrupt in the area of spiritual resources.  Remember the religious leaders of this time believed that God blessed those who were spiritually superior.  They were full of pride in their religious accomplishments and their ability to be self-sufficient.  Instead, Jesus states that those who lack in spiritual resources will recognize their need for God and seek Him to be a part of their lives.  In fact, the lessons taught by Jesus in this sermon on how to be citizens in God’s Kingdom are difficult and only illustrates our need for God.

The desire to be self-sufficient is a common and popular pursuit in the United States.  We believe in our ability to overcome based on our individual abilities.  Whether you come from privilege or difficult circumstances, the temptation to control your own fate is the same. Even those who have experienced emotional struggles and other difficulties as children, sometimes have the strongest temptation to control their outcomes.  Yet, there is only one important question that comes from studying this verse on the poor in spirit.  Do you recognize your need for Jesus?  If you recognize your need and accept Jesus by faith into your life, you will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  However, if you believe you are spiritually rich due to your own accomplishments of being a good person, you will not be able to enter God’s Kingdom.

I have been fortunate to grow up with parents who were able to provide a comfortable life as I grew up.  I had struggles like all children experience, but I always had support.  I have also been fortunate in having a strong confidence of God’s presence in my life.  Yet the longer I live, the more I recognize my need for God. In the last few years, my wife was diagnosed with cancer, but fortunately it was caught early, and she is doing well.  I have also been diagnosed with cancer these last few months.  Again, I’m fortunate because it was caught early and will easily be treated with newer technology.  Yet, cancer has a way of reminding us that we cannot always control what happens in our lives.  Instead, we are called to be poor in spirit so that we can recognize our need for God!

Read Matthew 5:1-13

*The Sermon on the Mount is found in Matthew 5 – 7 and involved Jesus teaching His disciples on a mountain In Galilee.  He probably taught them these lessons during the day and Matthew provided us a summary of these lessons.