The Poor in Spirit Blessed

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In the sermon on the mount Jesus presented the great principles of the law of God, that were to be taught throughout all time. He read the hearts of those who heard his words, and knew that many among that listening throng would view the subjects which he presented in that sermon, in altogether a different light from that in which they had viewed them up to that time. He was laying the foundation for missionary labor, for the promulgation of the gospel in the regions beyond. He knew that not long hence thousands would listen to the great principles of truth as they were repeated by his disciples. When he should no longer be with them, the truth which he communicated to them would be borne to those who were nigh at hand, and to those who were afar off. They would proclaim the everlasting gospel, showing the duty of man to love God supremely and his fellow-man as himself. He knew that his message of everlasting truth, which was symbolized by an angel flying in the midst of heaven, would increase in glory, and that other messengers would join those who already proclaimed the gospel, until the whole earth should be lightened with the glory of God.

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As the multitude increased, «he went up into a mountain; and when he was set, his disciples came unto him; and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.» His words fell upon the ears of the multitude as a salutation and benediction. The teaching of the scribes and rabbis was vastly different from the teaching of Christ; for they opened and closed their discourses with the sayings of the rabbis, which they exalted to a place of importance even above that of the Scriptures.

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Though the world’s Redeemer sees the misery and wretchedness of the world on account of sin, yet he does not present before the fallen race a vivid delineation of their wretchedness, but teaches them of something infinitely better than that which they have ever heard before. He knows that their wretchedness is the result of sin, and his heart is moved with compassion towards fallen men. The rabbis did not condescend to preach to the common people, or to present to the gentiles any hope of salvation. But Christ had come to present the plan of salvation before all classes of people; for all were in need of his words. In those that gathered before him he saw a possibility that they might be allied to an infinite power, because of the parental love of God toward all his children. Should they accept of the provision that had been made for them through faith in him as their divine Saviour, then angels that excel in strength would be their allies, and through cooperation with divine intelligences, men might become agents to work the works of God. Through faith they would become partakers of the divine nature, and have more than human energy, perseverance, and hope.

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If this people would but recognize the day of their visitation, they would be indeed blessed, made rich in the possession of grace and truth, which he held out within their reach. His words of greeting awakened hope in the breast of those who were distressed on account of sin, and they saw that there was something of value which he might impart, and that their lives might be under the benediction of God. The only-begotten Son of God knew the value of man, and presented to them a promise which speaks hope and happiness and peace. In the audience to which Jesus spoke were many who needed the help which he alone could give them. He had presented the cup of blessing to those who felt that they were «rich and increased with goods, and had need of nothing,» and they had turned from the gracious gift with scorn. Those who felt whole realized no need of a physician; but there were many who were poor in spirit, sorrowful and distressed, who were poor in this world’s goods, who were longing for something more satisfactory than anything they had yet experienced. There were also many who were rich, and who yet were wretchedly dissatisfied, finding nothing in temporal advantages that met the need of the soul. Those were most hopeful subjects to Christ, and it was to them that he said, «Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.» These dissatisfied ones would not rest until they became rich in heavenly treasure. Those who had a humble opinion of themselves and realized that they were sinners, stood in favorable contrast with the proud, self-righteous Pharisees. Those who felt that they could not possibly save themselves, or of themselves do any righteous actions, were the ones who would appreciate the help which Christ could bestow.

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The Jewish leaders discerned the truth that Christ presented, but they also realized that it meant the greatest humiliation to them to accept of the rich salvation brought to them through this humble teacher. To be saved through grace alone, to confess that in and of themselves they deserved no favors, was to acknowledge that which was contrary to their cherished ideas, and to lay in the dust their pride, vanity, and ambition. To receive the benediction that Christ pronounced, they saw that an entire change must take place in their lives, but this fact they did not relish.

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The Jewish leaders had presented worldly distinctions, honors, riches, and the enjoyment of pleasures as matters of the first consideration; but Jesus tells them that it is the poor in spirit, the humble in heart, who come under the divine benediction. Happiness was to be found in the vale of poverty, and among those who felt spiritually poor. Those who grasp the help that he presented may have something more satisfying than anything that earth can give-they may have the kingdom of heaven and the prospect of eternal life. They may be of value with God through the provision that is made in their behalf. Through the communication of divine grace they may be elevated and ennobled in character. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for eternal riches are provided for them. —