Blessed are the Meek

Matthew 5:5

Meekness can be described as an inner peace that does not react sinfully to anything.

One who exhibits meekness, is patient & acts with humility.

a) A temper of the mind not easily stirred up to resentment.

b) Meekness toward men is a refraining from revenge or anger, however much our patience may be tried by their injuries or their crimes.

a)&b) Taken from Sunday School Lesson – “Fruit of the Spirit”.

Jesus was most probably referring here to Psalm 37:9,11,29

I. Meekness is not understood as passivity or effeminacy.

The meek (οἱ πραεις [hoi praeis]). Wycliff has it “Blessed be mild men.” The ancients used the word for outward conduct and towards men. They did not rank it as a virtue anyhow. It was a mild equanimity that was sometimes negative and sometimes positively kind. But Jesus lifted the word to a nobility never attained before. In fact, the Beatitudes assume a new heart, for the natural man does not find in happiness the qualities mentioned here by Christ. The English word “meek” has largely lost the fine blend of spiritual poise and strength meant by the Master. He calls himself “meek and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29) and Moses is also called meek. It is the gentleness of strength, not mere effeminacy.[1]

Meekness is not weakness, for both Moses and Jesus were meek men (Num. 12:3; Matt. 11:29). This word translated “meek” was used by the Greeks to describe a horse that had been broken. It refers to power under control. [2]

A. Jesus is anything but passive when turning the money changers table, and yet in complete control.

B. He is anything but passive when returning again in judgment. Rev.19

II. Meekness is the Christian answer to the world.

A. Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matt.19:19)

B. Love your enemy. (Matt.5:44)

As provided by in the law, loving your neighbor was a command, but to love one’s enemy, that’s a different matter altogether.

III. Meekness is the righteous expression of a true view of self.

Lloyd Jones (Sermon on the Mount , 1:65-69) rightly applies our attitudes toward others. We may acknowledge our own bankruptcy (vs.3) and mourn (vs.4). But to respond with meekness when others tell us of our bankruptcy is far harder. Meekness therefore requires such a true view about ourselves as will express itself even in our attitude toward others. (Expositors Bible Commentary volume 8 page 133)

A. Some Christians live to expose and condemn sin.

Care must be exercised not to condemn the person. Matthew 7

B. Yet, we also do not overlook sin, because we are also guilty.

We abhor sin and mourn over it as the preceding verses declare.

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[1]A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, 1997). Mt 5:5.

[2]Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1996, c1989). Mt 5:1.