# 32 2016 Dev. Mt. 5:3. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The book of Matthew is a series of 7 sections: an introduction, five conversations, (ch. 5-7 ch.10, ch.13, ch. 18, ch. 24-25) and a conclusion with material in between leading up to each conversation. Matthew’s main theme is that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied about and predicted in the Old Testament. Secondly, that Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of David (Mary).
Mt. 5:3 is in the first conversation and is part of Jesus’ introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon is about our attitudes, our actions and our ethics as people belonging to the “Kingdom of Heaven” as Matthew calls it. This verse is part of what is called “The Beatitudes”. Jesus was preaching and healing people before this time but this appears to be the first teaching session to His disciples and to a large group of people following Him.
v. 3 is a two-fold statement: have this attitude and this is the result. It is non the less a function of God’s grace. This attitude of “poor in spirit” is not possible but for faith in Christ Jesus. What attitude is this? It is the ultimate humility and confession about our own inability to attain salvation on our own. It recognizes our own short comings and Jesus’ perfect love for those who have faith in Him.
There are two results: one, blessed in this life (see Rom. 8: 28-39). Does that mean we never have a problem? No! But God is in control, He takes care of us. Second, we are given the Kingdom of Heaven; life forever! We don’t have to wait for it, that gift is ours the day we have faith in Jesus. V.3 is like Ps. 1:1-6: “Blessed is the man (and woman) who…. for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,”. This is the ultimate blessing!
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Heavenhigh 