“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3

In Matthew 5:3, Jesus declares a profound truth that challenges conventional wisdom: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This verse addresses the spiritual poverty of humanity and our desperate need for God's grace.

To be “poor in spirit” means to be fully aware of one’s spiritual bankruptcy before God. This involves recognizing one’s utter lack of righteousness and inability to earn salvation on one’s own merits. It is to see ourselves as nothing, that Christ may be all in all. 

To be 'poor in spirit' is not merely a matter of feeling inadequate, but describes those who have been brought to a place of deep humility and contrition, recognizing their unworthiness before a holy and righteous God. We cannot seek the favor of God unless we are first convinced of our need of him. This is the first step on the path of salvation: a recognition of our own insufficiency and a desperate need for the grace of God.

To be "poor in spirit" means to be devoid of all self-confidence, and so to feel poverty-stricken as to be led to seek the help of God. This poverty of spirit is not referring to material poverty, but rather a spiritual poverty that recognizes one's inability to save oneself and one's need for God's salvation. This involves recognizing one’s utter lack of righteousness and inability to earn salvation on one’s own merits. It describes those who are sensible of their own sins and vileness, who see they can do nothing of themselves, and who are humble, lowly, and self-abased. 

The promise of the kingdom of heaven to the poor in spirit is not a reward for their poverty, but rather an acknowledgement of their need for redemption. The poor in spirit have the kingdom of heaven not as a reward of merit, but as a fruit of mercy. The kingdom of heaven is not something that can be earned through good works, but is a gift of grace to those who, by grace, recognize their own spiritual poverty and turn to God for salvation.

Why does Jesus begins the sermon on the mount with this statement about being poor in spirit?

Firstly, it establishes a contrast between the values of the kingdom of heaven and the values of the world. The world often celebrates those who are rich, powerful, and self-sufficient, but Jesus' statement highlights the importance of spiritual poverty and humility as a key characteristic of those who belong to the kingdom of heaven.

Secondly, it sets the tone for the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, which includes teachings on topics such as love, forgiveness, and justice. By beginning with a call to humility and recognizing our need for God, Jesus is setting the foundation for a life of following Him.

Thirdly, it emphasizes the importance of grace over works in our relationship with God. Those who are poor in spirit recognize that they cannot earn their way into heaven through their own efforts, but must rely on the grace and mercy of God.

Jesus' statement about being poor in spirit serves as a foundational and essential reminder for those who seek to follow Him. It challenges our natural tendency towards self-sufficiency and pride, and points us towards a life of humility, dependence on God, and receiving His grace.

Without recognizing our spiritual poverty and need for God, we cannot properly understand or obey the rest of the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount.

The imperatives that follow in the Sermon on the Mount, such as loving our enemies, turning the other cheek, and seeking first the kingdom of God, require a deep humility and dependence on God's grace. We must recognize that we cannot fulfill these commands in our own strength, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.

In conclusion, Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:3 offer a stark reminder of our need for divine grace. Being poor in spirit involves recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy and turning to God in humility and faith. The kingdom of heaven is a gift of grace to those who, by grace, recognize their need for salvation and turn to Christ in faith.