Many project strength and success, but Jesus says,
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5v3
Jesus was blessed, so that implies he too was poor in Spirit!
Just before saying this, he was tempted by the devil. He was tested over his identity, “If you are the son of God.” He was tested in terms of physical, emotional and spiritual needs – bread to eat, the desire for praise and the desire for spiritual power. The devil knew these were weak spots. In going for them, he shows us where Jesus was poor in spirit.
While tempted, Jesus did not resist it by puffing himself up. He responded to Satan with humility. As Paul writes in Philippians 2, “Though he was in very nature God, he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing.”
I have been somebody. Now I am nobody. There is a temptation to try and make something of myself, but the Father blesses those who are poor in spirit. So, I sit with Jesus where I am assured of his love and faithfulness. There are frustrations over what could be, but my hope is Jesus. Peter says, “Set your hope fully on the grace to be given when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
So, how are you poor in spirit?
Photo credit Steve Mushero on Unsplash