The Beatitudes: Global Perspectives on the Way of JesusSample

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” 

Meek isn’t a word you hear very often these days, is it? In fact, if you were to look it up in the dictionary, you likely would be a bit surprised by what you read. Overly submissive, compliant or quiet in nature are a few words you’d see used to describe it. So, is Jesus asking us to be pushovers?

Sadly, our modern English translation of the word ‘meek’ grossly misrepresents its original meaning in Jesus’ day. In its original Greek, the word used for ‘meek’ is ‘prautes’. This word implies a complete lack of self-pride and self-concern. It suggests putting oneself below others in an act of servanthood—looking out for the needs of others over one's own. Knowing this, we can see that meekness actually requires a huge amount of strength, sacrifice, and maturity. It’s not weak and flimsy, but strong and self-sacrificing.  

Sounds a lot like the way Jesus both lived and died, doesn’t it? 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the people of the remote desert village of Manuare, Colombia lost work and access to clean water. The clean water truck that once delivered to their village stopped coming by. Families were left without their basic needs.

So, staff and volunteers at a neighboring city’s church got to work. Since there were no roads to access the remote village, they piled food packs and water onto wooden wagons to bring to each child and their family, journeying through the desert by foot from wherever they lived. They walked back and forth for two days to make sure every family had what they needed. 

Meekness requires strength enough to sacrifice your own comfort for the needs of others. How can you implement a spirit of meekness into your life? What are the things that prevent you from living a self-sacrificial life? In your time with Him this week, ask God to show you ways you can live out meekness in a world that tends to put the self first.  

Prayer: 

Jesus, in our world today, meekness tends to take the back seat. We live in a “me-centered” culture. But you call us to an “other-centered” way of life. I pray that you would give me eyes to see where in my life I can put others' needs before my own. Give me the strength to choose meekness and self-sacrifice. Amen.