The Beatitudes: The Meek

Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV) Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down.  His disciples came to Him, 2 and He began to teach them.  He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

Blessed means, “fortunate and happy.” 

Matthew 5:5 (NIV) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.  

Meek — “Something that was once wild has been tamed.” 

Are we willing to give Him the reins? 

Psalm 25:9 (NIV) He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. 

Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle [meek] at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

1.  Jesus knew WHEN to be strong. 

2.  Jesus knew WHO to be strong for. 

John 2:13-16 NLT) It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. 14 In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. 15 Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. 16 Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” 

Matthew 21:14 (ESV) And [then] the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.

Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 

When we are walking in meekness…

-we aren’t easily provoked

-we aren’t out for revenge

-we aren’t easily offended

-we aren’t easily angered

-we aren’t defensive

-we aren’t divisive

-we don’t try to prove ourselves

-we don’t throw temper tantrums 

We make it our aim to…

-be calm and peaceful

-be slow to speak and quick to listen

-refrain from arguing

-be even-tempered

-passion under control 

-walk in kindness

-be friendly

-be patient

-treat others with dignity

-speak with tact and courtesy

-respond in love and forgiveness

Matthew 5:5 (AMP) Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.

Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

“When [Jesus] enters and takes possession of heart and life, He brings His meekness with Him.”  —Andrew Murray