While Matthew 5:5 is probably the most famous beatitude, not many people understand what it means. Jesus does not explain what he means by “meek”, but he is quoting Psalm 37 which gives us a very big clue.
Mourning is the appropriate emotional response to being poor in spirit. When you realize that life is not what it should be and you are not the kind of person you should be, the appropriate response is to weep over it.
Unlike those who are self-satisfied and see themselves as spiritually rich, the poor in spirit know that they are morally bankrupt and nothing in this world can give them what they truly need. This knowledge is a core conviction of saving faith.
Before we look at the beatitudes, we need to understand what it means to be blessed, the nature of a beatitudes (Jesus wasn’t the first to employ them) and how Jesus expects us to understand them.
The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most important passages in Scripture, as it is a profound and unique body of teaching from the Messiah himself. Yet throughout church history, believers have found it difficult to agree on what this sermon means and how it is to be applied to our lives. In this introduction, I’ll contrast the different approaches to the Sermon on the Mount and explain which approach I take.
Matthew 4:12-25 Explained: Jesus calls his first disciples, fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy in Galilee, and announces the kingdom. Learn what “repent” means and why geography matters in the gospels.
Discover why Jesus rejected Satan’s offer of the kingdoms in Matthew 4:8-11. Learn what “The Lord is one” really means, how to recognize modern idolatry, and why God calls us to suffer before glory.
Discover what Jesus’ second temptation in Matthew 4:5-7 teaches about testing God. Learn the difference between faith and presumption, and why waiting on God is greater faith than spectacular acts.
Discover why Jesus refused to turn stones into bread in Matthew 4:1-4. Learn how trusting God in trials matters more than meeting immediate needs—and how to apply this lesson in your wilderness.
Discover why Jesus was baptized, what “Son of God” really means, and how this event proves Jesus is the Messiah. A clear, in-depth study of Matthew 3:13-17.
Explore Matthew 3:1-12 and John the Baptist’s call to repentance. Learn what it means to prepare for the kingdom of heaven and be baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Discover why Matthew says Jesus was “called a Nazarene” even though the phrase isn’t in the Old Testament. Learn how geography, prophecy, and fulfillment reveal God’s plan.