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The Kind of People God Seeks

Andrew Stucker

Last week, we took a broad look at the Beatitudes and saw how Jesus is announcing the expansive nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. We discovered that the Kingdom is for everyone—especially those who might seem farthest from God. But today, we’re diving deeper into Jesus’ words to see the kind of character He desires to form in us and the kind of people He uses to advance His Kingdom.


Text over scenic mountain lake view reads: "The first triad describes the kind of people God seeks..." conveying a contemplative mood.

If you read carefully, the Beatitudes are presented in three groups of three. The first triad describes the kind of people God seeks, the second describes the kind of people He is forming, and the third describes those who actively advance His Kingdom.



Jesus is setting forth His agenda, His priorities, and His vision for those who follow Him. This is the foundation for life in His Kingdom.


Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Jesus begins by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The phrase “poor in spirit” draws from the Hebrew word ruakh, which can literally refer to breath or wind. But it can also mean spirit--either God's spirit or a human spirit. In the Old Testament, when someone was described as having a certain kind of ruakh, it was referring to their mindset or inner disposition. Several Old Testament characters are said to be "bitter of spirit" or "anguished in spirit."


In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to those who are "poor in spirit." Many in Jesus' audience were both economically and spiritually impoverished. They were powerless within the religious structures of their day, disregarded by Rome and by the temple authorities. No one was asking for their opinions, and they had no means to change their circumstances. Their literal outward poverty was a reflection of their inward spiritual poverty.


So why would Jesus call them blessed? Because, like those who are financially destitute and must rely entirely on the generosity of others, those who are spiritually poor recognize their total dependence on God. They know they have nothing to offer Him and must rely on His mercy. This is the opposite of the religious elite, who saw their wealth and status as proof of God’s favor.


Jesus illustrates this point in Mark’s Gospel when He contrasts the wealthy donors in the temple with the poor widow who gives only two small coins. Though she gives little in terms of material value, Jesus declares that she has given more than all the rest because she is relying fully on God’s provision.


The blessing Jesus pronounces is for those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy and throw themselves at the mercy of God. They don’t trust in their religious achievements or moral track record. Instead, they come to God empty-handed, knowing that His grace alone can sustain them.


Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Jesus continues, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. Why would mourning be a blessing?


To understand this, we need to look at the historical and prophetic backdrop. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people were sent into exile as a result of their unfaithfulness. Though they returned from Babylon, the full restoration they longed for never seemed to arrive. By Jesus’ time, many still felt as though they were in exile, waiting for God to truly reign again.


Those who mourn in this context are those who look at themselves and the world and recognize that things are not as they should be. Unlike those who are comfortable in their privilege and able to ignore suffering, the mourners cannot turn away. They see the brokenness, injustice, and sin around them and grieve over it.


But Jesus promises that their mourning will not last forever. Why? Because the King has arrived. Jesus Himself is the answer to their sorrow. He will make all things new, bring justice, and restore what is broken.


Blessed Are the Meek

The next beatitude states, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” This is a direct quotation from Psalm 37, which repeatedly encourages the afflicted and humble to trust in the Lord rather than seeking vengeance. The word translated as “meek” (ani) can mean both afflicted and humble. Often, those who suffer oppression develop a posture of humility simply because they have no other choice.


Jesus speaks these words to a people oppressed by Roman rule and religious elites.

They had little power to change their situation. And yet, Jesus tells them that they are the ones who will inherit the earth. Why? Because God will act on their behalf. He will be the one to bring justice.


Psalm 37 encourages the meek to wait on the Lord rather than taking matters into their own hands. Again and again, it tells them to “be still before the Lord,” “trust in the Lord,” and “hope in the Lord.” It warns against anger and urges them not to fret over evildoers. The message is clear: God sees, God knows, and God will set things right in His perfect timing.


Living the Beatitudes Today

These beatitudes are not just ancient teachings; they are a call to a radically different way of life. To be poor in spirit is to humbly recognize our need for God. To mourn is to acknowledge the world’s brokenness and long for His restoration. To be meek is to trust in His justice rather than seeking our own.


If we embrace these truths, we will be the kind of people through whom God advances His Kingdom. And as Jesus promised, we will find blessing—not in power, wealth, or comfort, but in the presence and provision of our King.

The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.

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Redemption Orlando is a community reaching all people, with all of Jesus, with all of life. We hope to be a people who embrace the way of Jesus by loving others without fear, offering a compelling vision of life with Him, and recognizing and allowing everyone to be in a different place in their journey. Redemption Orlando is a 501c3 nonprofit, registered in the US, registration number 88-0669672.

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