What does "poor" mean? It has social and economic dimensions in its conventional use. The Greek word ptōchos, which is usually translated "poor" in English, implies a person who has no means to support themselves except begging. No family, no job, no connections. (Another Greek word, penēs refers to a day laborer, someone who is not reduced to begging to eat, perhaps like in Matt 20:1-16). But how can a person be "poor in spirit"?
"Poor in spirit" is often taken to mean "destitute before God" or "humbly seeking God's provision," perhaps the opposite of arrogant self-righteousness. This captures the sense of begging implied by ptōchos, a person who has no means to provide for themselves spiritually, and so must appeal to God for forgiveness, spiritual strength, most of all, a relationship with God. So, Eugene Peterson translates Matt 5:3 in The Message, "You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." There is something here to reflect on, but I'm not sure it captures everything.
I think Jesus (and Matthew) had something else in mind. The phrase "poor in spirit" is so peculiar that it should send us deeper into Matthew's conception of the Spirit. At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, and I would argue a climax, Jesus reveals he is concerned about false prophets whose words don't match their deeds (Matt 7:15-20). Then, right before his conclusion, he gives an interesting warning concerning people who seem "rich in spirit", that is, in spectacular spiritual gifts like prophecy, exorcism, and miracle workers:
‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord”, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?” 23Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.” (Matt 7:21-23)Jesus seems to suggest that there are some who identify themselves as Christians (i.e. "in your name") and are prophesying, casting out demons, and doing deeds of power, but will not be recognized by Jesus at the door to the Kingdom. Certainly these, of all people who are acting in Jesus' name would be included in the kingdom?! But the Lord says, "go away." Harsh!
Comparing the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount to its end suggests that Matthew's Jesus is including those who feel spiritually weak at the center of his movement and God's kingdom. Those who have spectacular and flashy spiritual gifts will not be included unless they "do the will of my Father." We could further tie this to Matthew's emphasis on the "little of faith"--Matthew's unique word in 6:30, 8:26, 14:31, 16:8--and the way he equates readiness for "the coming of the Son of Man" with care for the hungry, thirsty, naked, stranger and in prison in Matt 24-25. There too, some will be sent away after banging on the door and crying out, "Lord, Lord, let us in" (Matt 25:11) and goats will be sent away (Matt 25:46). But we should only do so much in one blog post!
We can be more specific about what "poor in spirit": it means Jesus is including, favoring, blessing those who don't feel like they can move mountains with their faith. People who could never imagine themselves leading a group in prayer--they belong in God's kingdom! People who have doubts about the virgin birth but believe Jesus is calling them are included. People who struggle with making time for daily Bible reading are favored. Jesus announces blessing on those who score zeros on spiritual gift inventories and says, "I want you! And God will work through you when you follow Jesus!"
Very interesting post on the sermon on the mount. What do you think Jesus meant by Matt 7:21-23? do you think he is talking about Christians who claim christian for name face only? or does Jesus message go deeper than that on these verses?
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