This new series introduces Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount and will explore the eight truths Jesus taught His followers to develop a God-blessed life, uncovering these jewels of wisdom and the life-changing journey Jesus others us. Even 2,000 years ago in the ancient Hebrew culture, Jesus’ teachings went against mainstream thinking. Yet every word He spoke is still relevant because the truths He gives are eternal. For a sneak peek into the teachings of Jesus on the Beatitudes—the blessings of God—see Matthew 5:1-12.

The Jews who sat on the hillside listening to Jesus teach were probably shocked. In what has come to be known as the Sermon on the Mount, this new rabbi showed His listeners the way to God’s heart, instead of laying down a list of rules. In the first sentence, Jesus promised that for those who are “poor in spirit,” God will bestow the entire kingdom of heaven (see Matthew 5:3).

Wow. An entire kingdom—a heavenly one—will be ours if we’re poor in spirit. But what did Jesus mean? And how can we develop this attitude?

“You’re God. I’m Not”

We generally associate the word “poor” to mean a lack of money. We fight against poverty, as we should. Any kind of physical or emotional lack puts us at a disadvantage. But that’s not the kind of poor Jesus meant.

The term “poor in spirit” means “humble.” Simply put, to have a humble heart means we realize how dependent we are on God. We acknowledge that God is the source of everything good in our lives. The moment we reach that place of total dependence on God, our hearts open for Him to give us “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17).

When I was little, my father said that his favourite Bible verse was, “God helps those who help themselves.” I later learned that “verse” isn’t even in the Bible. So, I’d like to change my father’s saying to, “God helps those who can’t help themselves—and will admit it.”

God gives favour to those who have a humble heart, because they’re the ones who admit they need help. They sincerely say, “You’re God. I’m not.”

Of course, we can’t humble ourselves without Jesus’ help. When we recognize this truth, it takes the pressure off us to earn our way into God’s good graces. We ask Jesus to show us how to surrender our hearts to Him. It’s the same kind of childlike faith we originally used when we first heard the good news about Jesus’ love and forgiveness—and admitted we couldn’t save ourselves.

The King and Us

But what’s in this “humble attitude” thing for me? How do I benefit? you might think.

I’m so glad you asked!

When Jesus says that God will give us His kingdom if we rely on Him, He’s speaking in spiritual terms. Although heaven is a real, tangible place where Christians will live forever with God, the kingdom of heaven is not a place. It’s our position of peace with God through Jesus. It’s the privilege of knowing God as our Father, friend and provider, not merely our king.

Because we are God’s children, we allow Him to be in charge of our lives. This is how we live in God’s kingdom and gain everything we need: peace of mind, provision, victory over sins and habits, healthy relationships and emotional well-being. 

God’s very nature is to give. He loves to give. In a later teaching, Jesus told His followers, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). 

As we give our hearts to God in humility, He gives us His kingdom in return. 

Not a bad trade.

Photo: Rick Short/Lightstock.com

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