No one likes to be “poor” in anything. We certainly do not like to be poor in finances, we definitely do not want to be considered poor in character or abilities. Why then would Jesus tell us that we are blessed if we are “poor in spirit?” While this beatitude may be strange to us, it is important that we understand its meaning, for being “poor in spirit” is essential, not only to being blessed in this life, but also to being saved in eternity.
Let’s examine four questions about this beatitude: Why does Jesus begin the Beatitudes with the “poor in spirit?”; What does he mean by “poor in spirit?”; What are the evidences or effects of being “poor in spirit?”; and How does one become “poor in spirit?”
Why does he begin with the “poor in spirit?”
1. It is required for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. The Greek is more emphatic than the English on this point. Jesus literally says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs, and theirs alone, is the kingdom of heaven.” In other words, only one type of person will ever enter the kingdom of heaven and it will not be the proud, those who feel the are “rich in spirit.” In I Corinthians 1, Paul reminds us of this: “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things–and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him” (vv. 26-29).
Indeed, no one can even come to faith unless they recognize how poor they are in the spirit. When Peter was confronted with the reality of who Jesus was, he saw his spiritual poverty and cried out, “Depart form me for I am a sinful man.” When Paul assessed his own life, he asserted that he was the “chief of sinners.” When two men came to the temple to pray, one felt himself to be better than others while the second stood at the back of the temple and smote his breast saying, “Be merciful unto me, a sinner.” Jesus told his disciples, “I tell you the truth, the last man went sown to his house justified rather than the first.” No one can enter the kingdom of heaven without a humble heart that recognizes its own spiritual poverty. Being “poor in spirit” is required for entrance into the kingdom.
2. It reminds us of our inability. Being “poor in spirit” is not just the entrance into the kingdom, it is the way to live in the kingdom. There is such a tendency in the life of believers to think that, after coming to faith in Christ, they can now make it on their own strength. Jesus reminds us, “Apart from me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). This beatitude reminds us that God’s blessing on our lives depends on our recognition that we are still “poor in spirit” and we constantly need Him to be blessed in life.
Some, like Robert Schuller, are teaching the opposite. Schuller contends: “When a person believes that he is an ‘unworthy sinner,’ it is doubtful if he can honestly accept the saving grace God offers in Jesus Christ.” Yet the very opposite is true. Why would one need the grace of God unless he recognized his spiritual poverty? Wouldn’t you expect the one with nothing to be the first to flee to Christ at His offer of grace?
Others also contend, “We must love ourselves before we can love others.” But the reason that we don’t reach out and minister to others is not that we don’t love ourselves; it is that we love ourselves all too much. Still others assert that we cannot begin to meet the needs of others until our needs are met. Yet we are never told to focus on ourselves first. Instead, Jesus tells us: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” In other words, we are not to seek for ourselves first, but for His kingdom. In doing so, He will care for all our needs.
Our spiritual poverty is a constant reminder of our utter dependence on Him. As long as we think we can do something without Him, we will! But Jesus reminds us that those who always remember their spiritual poverty will be blessed.
3. It is the foundation for spiritual character. “Poor in spirit comes first because it is the foundation for all spiritual graces. One cannot properly “mourn” or be “meek” or “hunger and thirst for righteousness” unless he constantly remembers his true spiritual condition. Whenever anyone believers that he is doing quite well spiritually, he will cease to mourn mover the sin deeply imbedded in his own life and he will not desire to be more righteous. Indeed, the Scriptures also remind us that we cannot expect the blessing of God on our lives unless we have this attitude of being poor in spirit. Proverbs 16:15 tell us that the proud are an abomination in God’s sight. James 4:6 reminds us that God is opposed to the proud. Only those who are poor in the spirit are qualified for God’s blessings and can progress in the other graces mentioned in the beatitudes.
What does He mean by “poor in the spirit?”
First, let us examine what he does not mean. It does not mean that Jesus exalted poverty and said that all who are poor will be blessed. Poverty is never considered a blessing in the Scriptures. Some commentators have even chosen to translate this passage: “Blessed in the spirit are the poor.” While such a translation is grammatically possible, it is highly unlikely. In fact, to follow this line of translating would produce a very peculiar reading of verse 8, “Blessed in the heart are the pure.” The grammatical structure is the same.
To be poor in spirit means at least three things. First, it refers to those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy. There are two Greek words of “poor” in the New Testament. One word, penes, refers to the working man who has only enough to meet his needs. He has nothing extra at all. The other word is proches. It describes one who is completely destitute. It is a person who has nothing at all. That is the word that Jesus uses here. Those who come to understand the total bankruptcy of their spiritual condition are the ones that Jesus says will be blessed. Not those who think they have some spiritual resources. Not those who feel they have enough to just get by. But only those who see the complete emptiness of their spiritual condition are promised God’s blessing.
Second, it refers to those who are willing to be despised. Most people want to be admired by the world, but that is not an asset in the Christian life. Paul noted: “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10). Once the question of being “poor in spirit” is settled, one will not be swayed by concern over men’s opinions. That person will not care what others think about him; he only cares that he pleases God.
Third, it refers to those who are will to be content. One characteristic of the poor is that they are willing to be satisfied with less. One who is truly poor in spirit has learned how to be “content in what ever state” he is found (Phil. 4:11-12).
How Can I Become “Poor in the Spirit?”
First, quit trying to impress God. The monastic movement was based upon the idea that one becomes poor in the spirit by denying oneself. But all such attempts are really an attempt to impress God with our piety. Martin Luther said, “If ever a man could have gained heaven by monkery, it was I.” He learned that only when one gives up on trying to impress God can he truly be made right with God. Being poor in spirit is a matter of recognizing that we have nothing to give to God and joyfully receiving all He gives to us.
Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy cross I cling;
Naked come to thee for dress, Helpless look to thee for grace;
Foul, I to thy fountain fly, Wash me Savior or I die.”
This is true not only for salvation; it is equally essential for living the Christian life. In Revelation 3:15-20, Jesus warns a wealthy church: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, `I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” It is not the poor church that is in danger of not fully serving the Lord. It is the rich church. Poverty is not the greatest danger for the church or for the individual believer. Instead, we must beware of the self-sufficiency that wealth often brings to us.
Second, give up all to follow Jesus. The rich ruler who came to Jesus learned that Jesus will not accept one who does not give up all to follow Him. The real issue was not his wealth, but whether he was willing to give up all that he depended upon to follow Jesus. Jesus himself said: “”The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Following Jesus is a matter of trusting Him only. “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling” is the lifelong song of everyone who is truly poor in spirit.
Copyright Jim Ehrhard, 1999. You are permitted to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that: (1) you credit the author; (2) any modifications are clearly marked; (3) you do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction; and (4) you do not make more than 100 copies without permission. If you would like to post this material to your web site or make any use other than as defined above, please contact Teaching Resources International
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