Blessed are Those Who Mourn – are Meek

Understanding the Beatitudes – Part 2
Blessed are those who mourn – are meek

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn and those who are meek”.  What did He mean? When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount His audience was shocked. He told them things that were contrary to the way the Jewish religious leaders taught. The Sermon on the Mount was extremely radical in its day, and even more so, today. It is radical because God’s love is so radical (John 3:16).   Jesus taught “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” and to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  All these and more were contrary to the way the Jewish people were taught and the way they thought.  The same is true today.

See it from Jesus Perspective

So, when Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted and ^“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:4-5) The people didn’t fully understand what Jesus was teaching.  They were confused and today most of us are too.  We need to see the beatitudes from Jesus perspective. So, let’s look at what Jesus is wanting us to see.

Mourning – What Does Jesus Mean?

Jesus was not talking about mourning over the loss of a loved one or being grieved about any kind of loss or set back.  Jesus is referring to the lamenting and regret we should’ve had because of our sinfulness. When someone realizes how wrong and lost they are without Christ they are consumed with sadness and regret. They are filled with gloom and sorrow. The only hope we have is Christ.

Blessed – Because Jesus Forgives Us

We are blessed when we believe in Jesus and receive forgiveness for our sin.  Jesus forgives all of our sins, not just a few or only the old ones. He forgives all of them – even the present and future sins. Jesus comforts us by assuring us that He has forgiven all of our sins. He forgives all of our past, present, and future sins.  He takes our sinfulness and gives us His righteousness. That’s what I call truly being blessed.

Meek – What Does Jesus Mean?

First, being meek is not being weak, timid or passive.  It is not being gentle and humble.  None of these are what Jesus meant by being meek.  A timid spirit is the exact opposite of a meek spirit! The quietness which accompanies meekness is the result of one’s trust in the Lord, whereas the quietness of timidity is the result of one’s lack of trust. To know true meekness is not to look at meekness, but rather to look at Jesus.  Jesus is meekness.

Meek is Being Strong in the Lord

When we study Jesus, we discover meekness is demonstrated by having a firm resolve, courage, conviction and strength.  It is being an active proponent of what we know is right. Meekness refers to those who are willing to share and sacrifice on behalf of others. A person who is meek is strong — strong in Lord and the power of His might.  They come to God in total trust and complete surrender.

How Do We Inherit the Earth?

Jesus says the meek inherit the earth.  What does that mean?  To inherit the earth means having peace, joy and contentment in our daily lives, wherever we find ourselves, and hope for our future.  While we have a future inheritance in the new heaven and new earth we also have an inheritance here and now.  The Good News Translations puts it this way, “they will receive what God has promised!”   We inherit the promises of God by faith, trusting the Lord.

Next time we will look at “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness”.  Until the walk in the fullness of God’s blessings!