In the third beatitude Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). We need to understand is that meekness does not mean weak or weakness. It is used to illustrate a horse that has been “tamed.” The horse is still powerful, but is now under control of its master.So the meek in Christ are under God’s control. A meek person is a gentle person. Someone who is strong in Christ. Someone who now gives credit to God.Jesus was powerful and mighty. But He humbled Himself to God. He said of Himself, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Paul spoke of how he acted as being meek and gentle (2 Cor. 10:1). Jesus humbled himself. He treated his being part of the divine nature as nothing. He emptied himself and became a servant (Phil. 2:5-11).Now meekness doesn’t mean that we never get upset. We are to get angry at the things that oppose God and go against His will. Jesus got angry at how the religious leaders were misusing the temple and taking advantage of those who wanted to worship God. He overturned the tables they were using to sell doves and exchange currency and used a whip to drive them out.He called down “woes” on the Pharisees for mistreating his people. He called them names: “dogs” and “snakes” because that’s how they acted. Now He was not unable to defend himself. He was not weak, but he stood up for what was right and was God’s will.Therefore He tells his disciples, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29).Then the beatitude tells us that the meek “will inherit the earth.” Jesus is not saying that the meek will become rich or that they will become land owners, but this is a reference to eternal reward. The Jews used the term “earth” not only to refer to land or this planet, but to where we live which is where God uses to prepare us for eternity. This is a blessing that says, “God is preparing you for a great reward.” So our promised “inheritance” is that eternal land— if you become like me, meek.Now the ...
