Matthew 5:1–12 (ESV)

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 

1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:1–3 (ESV)

Think about the word poor.

When you hear that word, what comes to your mind? What visual do you see? What emotion do you begin to feel in your heart? Now, take those thoughts and emotions and read verse 3 again. Forgive me for assuming, but it is very likely that there is a dissonance between the point Jesus is making and the way we react to the words poor and blessed being in the same sentence.

Perhaps looking at the definition of the word poor would help. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as follows:
Poor// (Adjective)

  1. lacking material possessions, relating to, or characterized by poverty
  2. less than adequate, small in worth
  3. exciting pity // you poor thing
  4. inferior in quality or value, humble, unpretentios

Notice, it’s not until the fourth definition that we learn that the virtue of humility is affixed to the word poor. Question: outside of the verse above, when have you heard the word poor used in a virtuous way? Friends, I am excited for us to dig into this beatitude. God has so much to teach us, and I for one have so much to learn. This coming Sunday, I get to join you in sitting under the instruction of God’s Word as Pastor Brett opens it for us. I have heard a bit of what he is going to share, and I just know you will be challenged and blessed. Take some time to consider what Jesus is saying and how being poor in spirit would lead to living life as a redeemed and blessed child of His.

We’ll also be honoring fathers with a special video for Father’s Day.  As usual, please take some time to listen to the music we’ll be singing on Sunday to help you prepare for worship.

Love you, Church!

Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor

SUNDAY PLAN
9:00 AM  – Worship Service Online
10:15 AM – Small Group Prayer on Zoom
10:15 AM – Guest Connection
10:15 AM – Student Prayer (Grades 6-12) on Zoom

SUNDAY RESOURCES
Everything you need for Sunday is available on the Mission Church App under Sunday Resources or on our website.