The Meek

Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
– Matthew 5:5

Most people have heard that “the meek shall inherit the earth,” even if they do not know where the saying originated. Though it is possible he just borrowed the saying from someone else, it is preserved for us as wisdom from the lips of Jesus. Sometimes we might think of this as a self-evident truth. However, Jesus offers this insight to stand in contrast to the values often prescribed in the world. Meekness is not always seen as a positive quality. Sometimes meekness is equated with weakness, and weakness is something people are usually encouraged to overcome. Jesus, however, teaches us that meekness places us under God’s approval.

Various versions of the Bible translate the original language using the words “humble,” “meek,” or “gentle.” Each word conveys a very similar meaning. Though the word is found only four times in the New Testament, it is used twice in reference to Jesus himself. Jesus invites those who are weary and heavy-laden to come to him, for he is “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). His triumphal entry into Jerusalem was understood to fulfill the prophecy of Israel’s king coming “humble and riding on a donkey” (Matthew 21:4-5; Zechariah 9:9). Later in the Church age, Peter encourages women to be inwardly adorned with the “imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4). Those are pretty solid references regarding a quality we would want to emulate.

Writing to believers in Philippi, the apostle Paul says that they should adopt the same mindset as Jesus (Philippians 2:5), who “emptied himself” of his divine status (v. 7) and “humbled himself” in obedience to death (v. 8). The world may see meekness as weakness, but one thing is for sure: Jesus was not weak. He had inner strength unmatched by any other person, and his influence continues to expand through every generation. Yet for all of that, his life was marked by gentleness and humility. And what did he gain? In the words of the apostle Paul, “for this reason, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:9-10).

It sounds like the meek not only inherit the earth, but the Kingdom as well.

See you along the Winding Path.