Matthew 5:1-4
[1] Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. [2] And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: [3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Head: Why do you think Jesus says that the poor in spirit are blessed? Generally, don't we associate being poor with unhappiness?
Heart: Do you think that you are poor in spirit?
Hands: How can you keep reminding yourself that you are poor in spirit and that Jesus is your true wealth?
Recently, we saw on the news that we may possibly have a vaccine for the Coronavirus some time soon. If this is true, then this is great news, for a vaccine will protect people from infection and it may lead to a cure for people who are infected. Whenever there is an outbreak of a disease, people find ultimate hope when a vaccine and a cure is developed.
But a vaccine or cure is only effective to an individual is they take the medication. This means that the person has to acknowledge that there is a threat of a disease and need a vaccine, or that they are sick and need a cure. If this person does not believe either danger, then they will not seek out the cure. It would be a sad situation if there was no vaccine or cure to a disease. But it would even be a sadder situation if there was a cure, but people didn't take it because they didn't think they needed it.
When the Bible speaks of the "poor in spirit", it's saying that we are all spiritually sick, and we need to acknowledge the sickness and turn to the cure, Jesus Christ. Those who are "poor in spirit" are the ones who admit that they are sick and needy of Jesus. So when they find Jesus, they find true life and joy. So the true blessing is not in the "spiritual poverty", but the treasure of Jesus that this leads to!
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Devotional Guide:
1) Pray for understanding in your mind, for trust in your heart, and for powerful obedience in your daily living.
2) Read the passage and mark anything that blesses you, challenges you, or raises a question.
3) Reflect on the passage. What's God saying about Himself? What's God saying about you?
4) Pray in response to what God puts on your heart through the Word.