“The Scribes”
In Jesus’ time, many devoted their lives to studying the Holy Scriptures. These people were called “the scribes.” They sat in the temple in Jerusalem or in the synagogues and studied the Scriptures. They discussed the Torah day in and day out. Many of them believed they knew God’s commandments better than Jesus himself.
The scribes, Sadducees, and Pharisees were influential people in Jesus’ day. Although there were sincere, truth-seeking men among them—such as Nicodemus, or the many priests who later came to faith (Acts 6:7)—spiritual pride had taken root in many of the leaders. They knew the Scriptures well and constantly challenged Jesus with critical questions—not to learn, but to win arguments. Although they were well-educated and powerful, Jesus warned his disciples against some of these people.
“For they preach, but do not practice.” (Matt.23:3)
The Poor in Spirit Want to Learn
John’s disciples once asked Jesus whether he truly was the Messiah. Jesus told them to report back to John that the gospel is preached to the poor. But why the poor? Why wouldn’t the scribes receive Jesus’ message, since they knew the Scriptures so well?
The simple answer is that Jesus wasn’t the least bit concerned with outward appearances. He wanted to proclaim the gospel to those who wanted to listen. The Sadducees, Pharisees, and scribes knew the Scriptures well, but what they sought was not truth itself. They wanted honor, status, and to be right. They did not come to Jesus to listen and learn, but to debate and argue.
Jesus Healed and Performed Miracles
Jesus wanted to come into contact with the poor— those who had no status or power, but who truly needed him and the message he brought. Those who needed a miracle in their lives. Poor people.
Unlike the proud religious leaders, these people did not argue with Jesus; they opened their hearts to him. Listened and learned. They let him heal and perform miracles.
The fact that Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount by saying that the poor in spirit belong to the kingdom of heaven was a powerful and important message in a time when power and honor were central.
To Belong to the Kingdom of Heaven
But the message remains every bit as powerful today. Jesus cannot teach us anything if we believe we already know everything. Jesus wants us to follow him and keep his commandments. But that cannot happen if we are like the scribes, who only wanted to show off their knowledge.
We must be poor in spirit and admit to ourselves that there is still much we do not understand. We must listen and learn from Jesus. When we are poor in spirit, Jesus can perform miracles within us— miracles that change our lives.
Just like the poor in Jesus’ time. Then we receive the strength to keep the commandments of the Sermon on the Mount.
When our whole focus is directed on learning from him and following him, we are poor in spirit. Only then do we belong to the kingdom of heaven. Only then will we, as Jesus says, be truly blessed. Truly happy.
