The Sermon on the Mount

Jesus’ fame actively grew, as people witnessed His teaching and watched Him heal through His own power. As the crowds grew bigger, people followed Him to a mountain, where He gave the most famous sermon ever given. He begins His teaching with the beatitudes (blessings). Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

  “Blessed” is a state of well-being in relationship with God. This is a result of the following statement, “the poor in spirit.” There is a connection between a right standing with the Lord and being poor in spirit. But what does poor in spirit mean? It does not mean to have no physical and earthly possessions, but is speaking of the posture of the heart.

Whether you have great financial security or are getting by day-to-day, Jesus is saying that those who are blessed are those who do not depend on their earthly possessions, but rely on the Lord. The posture of someone poor in spirit is someone who depends on the Lord for all things, recognizing that everything they own comes from and belongs to Him.

What do you depend on?

What do you feel you cannot live without?

Surrender it to the Lord, rely on the One who holds all things together. 

Respond with any questions or encouragement!

Josh Hernandez