Poor Beggers

 

In the section of the Sermon of the Mount, which may have been a composite of the general message that Jesus was beginning to introduce in the early years of His ministry in Galilee, these Scriptures show the posture of the heart, and the corresponding blessing that come upon believers, known as the Beatitudes – We find here that Jesus calls theses dispositions Blessed. We want to look at just one of these Beatitudes for the moment.

In Matthew: 5:3-, we read the following   “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

It is useful for us to note that the author, of this account of the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ was Matthew, who in his pre-ministry day had been a tax collector for the Roman provisional government that administered the land of Palestine. Matthew was writing to a very Jewish audience who would have been steeped in certain cultural biases , one such biases was that if you were poor there was little or no esteem shown toward you.

The Greek  word that the Holy Spirit inspires Matthew to uses here is “ptokhos”   for “poor” , this word like many Greek words carries with it not only a meaning but implications and connotations, this word literally  means  a “poor humble Beggar” – as well has having a verb component- meaning to seek support – to be in  a state of “dependency” – and  relying  on  that support, otherwise the "beggar"  would be helpless  and could not survive without it.  In other words, the “poor humble beggars” are "dependent" on others for help, and they know it.

The Beggar Needs Help

In other words “poor humble beggars” know their state and humbly ask for support and is fully dependent on that support else they would not ask for it. They know their “dependency”.  Without the grace of those around them they would go without could not survive. The “poor humble beggar” knows  he need help.

Illustrates the Point

To Jesus’ immediate audience the image of a “poor humble beggar” would have been quickly understood they were a common sight sitting with a bowl in their hand, out stretched, extended, asking for whatever help they might receive from those who pass by.  The “poor humble beggars”   knew where to place themselves to find the most help, often at the city gates, market place or the routs to the Temple at Jerusalem.

 This image would have proven to be a paradox for many who heard Jesus use it as a description of those he called Blessed, that some of the lowest in social standing would be called blessed by Him. ...A condition of “dependency” many of them despised, and we, would like very much to avoid if possible.

Yet, we hear that they, theses “poor humble beggars”, are blessed, and it is this exact state of “dependency” that theses “poor humble beggars” have, this is why they are blessed.  What is the blessing that theses ones have?   He is not just telling them, that it is  just  because of the low social  status they occupied that will  confers this blessed state upon them here and now and on into eternity.  Again, the “poor humble beggar” knows they need help.

Disciples should be Beggars

How would have Jesus’ disciples of understood this complete “dependency”? The word “spirit” in Jesus’ pronouncement helps to point us to His meaning.  It becomes clear that He is not just speaking of one’s lack of economical means that is the cause of being blessed, rather He speaks of the true need that all of us are in need of. Spiritually we are all in need, we are all in a state of want,  acknowledged or not, we are all dependent, just some of us have come to see ourselves as we truly are, that is apart from Jesus Christ. 

This “dependency” that Jesus is illustrating for us, and is actually a blessing for us to have it so .It is a quality of those who follow Him, that is ,that we come to see our dependency on  Him.

They are humbly are aware of their need for His support – in the Spiritual life- and in every need,  even in His humanity Jesus acknowledged His dependency on the Father for everything in the fulfillment of His life “I can do nothing of My own self” John:5 30

During His earthly ministry before the crucifixion Jesus Cried out to God is Father in times of need knowing His "dependency" on the Great God in  times of His need. He was totally "dependent" on the Father.
"During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission". Hebrews:5:7

It is when we see as ourselves we are, broken and in need, with our the spiritual ware-with-all to live the spiritual life as we ought to, then and only then will we, like those “poor humble beggars”   position ourselves in such a place to ask for help. We see that in Jesus, who alone is able to fill our lack, all that we need.  It is then our “dependency” our “poor in the spirit” become a great blessing we come to see all we need do is ask of Him, Who will so freely assist us and generously provide. Being “poor humble beggars” rather than a reproach, it become a great blessing to us as we await His every blessing knowing that in Him is all we will ever need. Let us all be completely “dependent” on Jesus and be blessed as  “poor humble beggars” .  Amen

 Rev.Todd Crouch, Pastor

Fountain of Life Church

Washington, Pa 

Fountain of Life Broadcast heard on RKP Radio 1710 & 1670 in Washington, Pa.

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