Day 21 · Week 3
Passage: Matthew 5:3; Luke 12:32
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:3
Matthew 5:3 (KJV)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus begins the Beatitudes with need, but He ends the sentence with a kingdom.
“Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Think about the contrast. The poor in spirit know that they have nothing with which to purchase God's favor. Yet Jesus says the kingdom belongs to them.
That is grace.
God's kingdom is not a prize reserved for people who can prove they deserve it. Jesus welcomes people who know their need and trust Him.
Later He told His disciples, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Notice the word give.
We receive before we achieve.
That does not make obedience unimportant. The Sermon on the Mount will call us to a radically different life. But obedience grows from belonging to Christ; it does not purchase our place with Him.
This first Beatitude therefore sets the foundation for everything that follows. We begin empty-handed. We receive Christ and His kingdom by faith. Then the King begins changing the people who belong to Him.
That is a safe place for a family to begin too: not pretending we have arrived, but coming together to Jesus because all of us need His grace.
Why is it good news that Jesus says the kingdom is given to people who recognize their need?
Say this week's memory verse together:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:3
Then let each person name one thing about Jesus for which they are thankful.
Thank the Father that it is His good pleasure to give the kingdom. Ask Him to keep your family humble, dependent upon Christ, and grateful for His grace.