Blessed are the meek

A good friend asked me the other night what I thought about Jesus words, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” He asked me what I thought meekness means. I had to think about it a little, so I did some research. Meekness I think is probably anti-American. Americans want to be strong, battle hardened, and we want to win by our strength. I’m sure in Jesus day as he went up the mountain to preach these words, his followers were expecting him to set up his kingdom on earth and be powerful in battle, win and beat the Romans. This is what men were looking for. Instead they get this meekness stuff. What was Jesus after?

Jesus did not begin in the material realm and build an army; he came to teach men that character comes before conduct. He came to teach the spiritual before the material. So I think the beatitudes have a lot to do with character. What kind of character does God want us to have? The word “blessed” is used over 40 times in Jesus sermon. Normally we would think of the word as something which is bestowed upon a person from God. Instead, I think it has more to do with a consciousness or condition we are in. Blessed refers to a condition or what he wants us to be. Really he wants us to be happy. Jesus described characteristics such as poor in spirit, they that mourn, the meek, etc. These are the characteristics that go to make the perfect “character.” The ultimate purpose is to bring multitudes of people into the kingdom of God and for them to be blessed and happy.

“Blessed are the meek” are those who are obedient to God and his rule, meekness is a submissive spirit, the spirit of true humility, and waits for orders. The meek inherit the earth. In other words they will find rest for their souls. According to G. Morgan, “The men, poor in spirit, mourning over failure, comforted by the One great Comforter, are meek; and “they shall inherit the earth,” for they have partaken of the very spirit of the King Himself.” I also think Jesus teaching was in contrast to the Pharisees (Jewish leaders of the day) who were proud and arrogant.

When you read the Sermon on the Mount you see the depth, the breadth, the beauty, and the supreme wisdom of God and how he teaches his people.