Key Scripture: Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Notice what Jesus says in this passage, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This is present tense. We must be poor in spirit to gain the kingdom of heaven, which Jesus offers to us now. “Blessed” implies an inner satisfaction and sufficiency that does not depend on outward circumstances for happiness. This is what Jesus offers those who trust in Him. But, we must get to the end of ourselves, realizing that we are nothing without Jesus and can do nothing apart from Him. Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson states that by nature we are too full of ourselves to be filled and the values of the world belittle the values of God, so we need to be emptied in order to be filled.

Jesus offers rest to all who have ears to hear. Matthew 11:28-30 states, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” This is the free gift of salvation that Jesus paid in full through His shed blood on the Cross. The gift is available to all who realize they cannot earn their salvation, but humble themselves and cry out to God for forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by Grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”