Tuesday 4 February 2025
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (v. 3)
Background
'The beatitudes', as these verses are often called, form the opening lines of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. This sermon is something like a manifesto for Jesus' ministry. It covers a whole number of points and there are a number of new interpretations of Old Testament laws that Jesus offers.
The beatitudes are often used in a formulaic way. They are reduced to a simple "If you do X, then you will receive Y". It simplifies the beatitudes to if you want to gain the kingdom of heaven then all you have to do is be poor in spirit. But the beatitudes are much more complex and nuanced than that.
Let's take the first line: "Blessed are the poor in spirit." (v. 3) We often have to perform mental gymnastics to explain why it is good to be poor in spirit. Yet, maybe like in other parts of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is giving a challenge to the crowds listening. It's a challenge that goes against conventional wisdom, saying those who are poor in spirit – the hopeless and the desperate – are actually the ones closest to the kingdom of heaven.
The singers Simon and Garfunkel's song Blessed is based on the beatitudes. It goes: Blessed are the sat upon, spat upon, ratted on, Oh, Lord, why have you forsaken me? Maybe Jesus was telling those who felt forsaken – who were standing at the very back of the crowd because they felt they weren’t worthy – that God’s kingdom was for them.
The other beatitudes follow. Some are more straightforward than others but they all individually and together challenge the way we look at the world and encourage us to a new way of living.
To Ponder:
- How does understanding the beatitudes as a challenge rather than a formula change the way you approach them?
- Why do you think Jesus highlights those who are often overlooked or dismissed – such as the poor in spirit, the mourners or the meek – as 'blessed'?
- What conventional wisdom in your own life might Jesus’ teachings in the beatitudes challenge?
Bible notes author: The Revd David Wynd
David Wynd is a Methodist minister serving in Cullercoats, in North Tyneside.