Both Matthew and Luke record what is popularly referred to as the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. His teaching on this occasion was for the benefit of his disciples, those who had committed to following him expressly. “And seeing the multitudes, he [Jesus] went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: and he opened his mouth, and taught them” (Matthew 5:1-2; emphasis added).
He began with a series of blessings, the Beatitudes, which belong to those who have embraced and adopted his teachings. The eternal character of his words are evident as seen from the very first of these blessings. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The poor in spirit are those who acknowledge their own spiritual bankruptcy before a holy and eternal God.
It is not surprising that Jesus began focusing on the poor in spirit, for the way to know God begins with humility. We must see ourselves as God knows us to be, sinners deserving His wrath. Since Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, man has turned his back on his Creator. We live as though we do not need God, as though God is not there at all. But he is. The Scriptures remind us that “in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
It is this spirit of independence, this willful pride that denies God his due. Our pride sets us in opposition to God. Yet James wrote, “God resisteth the proud” (James 4:6) and Solomon admonished that a “proud look” is “an abomination” to the LORD (Proverbs 6:16-17). Consequently, no man can come to God without acknowledging his own unworthiness to stand before God. Knowing God begins there.
James urged his audience “cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded…humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:8,10). When we humble ourselves before this great and marvelous God, he extends his infinite grace unto us. “Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15).
Jesus taught that the kingdom of heaven belonged to those who were poor in spirit. Its citizens are characterized by humility. There are no proud people in heaven. No one will be there who believes they deserve to be there. Those who are poor in spirit know that they are unworthy and that it is only by God’s grace they can enjoy his presence. Isaiah reminds us, “Thus saith the LORD, the heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool…but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:2). The way to the God who inhabits eternity begins with humbling oneself. There can be no other way.
From the Chaplain 