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"Blessed [are] the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 NKJV
I’m not one who’s got it all in place/Tellin’ you what you should do, no/I’m just one old hungry beggar/ Showin’ you where I found food” (John Fischer, “Beggar”).
When cultures celebrate personal achievement more than personal piety, Jesus gets reduced to a human celebrity. But when even unbelieving cultures value humility, Jesus becomes one of their heroes.
For the early disciples, Jesus’ words were often startling. How could the “poor” be blessed? Many of them were following Him hoping this miracle-working “king” would make them rich. “Blessed are the poor” certainly wasn’t the preferred branding of most Jerusalem PR firms in His day.
Today’s reading showcases Jesus’ humility: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you take your shirt, hand over your coat as well” (Matthew 5:39-40); “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1); “Do not judge or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). The “poor in spirit” choose to champion these truths.
Despite popular wisdom, there is a sense in which “beggars” can be “choosers.”
Prayer: Father, help me resist believing I’ve got it all together so that, rather than preaching at people, I can show them where to find food.
I’m not one who’s got it all in place/Tellin’ you what you should do, no/I’m just one old hungry beggar/ Showin’ you where I found food” (John Fischer, “Beggar”).
When cultures celebrate personal achievement more than personal piety, Jesus gets reduced to a human celebrity. But when even unbelieving cultures value humility, Jesus becomes one of their heroes.
For the early disciples, Jesus’ words were often startling. How could the “poor” be blessed? Many of them were following Him hoping this miracle-working “king” would make them rich. “Blessed are the poor” certainly wasn’t the preferred branding of most Jerusalem PR firms in His day.
Today’s reading showcases Jesus’ humility: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you take your shirt, hand over your coat as well” (Matthew 5:39-40); “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1); “Do not judge or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). The “poor in spirit” choose to champion these truths.
Despite popular wisdom, there is a sense in which “beggars” can be “choosers.”
Prayer: Father, help me resist believing I’ve got it all together so that, rather than preaching at people, I can show them where to find food.
