Variety: Matthew 5v5

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5v5)

Jesus calls to be God-controlled. The word for meek was used of animals brought under control. For instance, it could be used of a horse broken in. In being tamed, it is still powerful and strong, but now it is useable and brought under control. Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher and polymath (384-322 BC) said that a meek person is “neither too hasty nor too slow-tempered. He (or she) does not become angry with those he (or she) he ought not to, nor fail to become angry with who he (or she) ought”. In this regard Jesus could be angry when occasion demanded it. For instance, Jesus was angry when he cleansed the Temple (Matthew 21.12-27); and when the Pharisees were watching him to see if he would cure a man with a withered hand on the sabbath, so they might accuse him, he “looked around at them with anger” (Mark 3.5: see also Mattthew 12.9-14) and then went on to heal, regardless of the consequences. Yet Jesus could be amazingly gentle: for instance with the woman caught in adultery, when the scribes and Pharisees would have been happy to stone her, but Jesus said: “Neither do I condemn you. On your way, and from now on do not sin” (John 8.11).

Jesus calls us to trust God. Almost certainly we have here a paraphrase of Psalm 10,11: “Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.” The meek are those who are meek toward God. Instead of clenching their fists and damning God, they put their trust in his understanding, instead of growing resentful about what life may bring, they are certain God’s way is best. They believe that God is always working in all things together for those who love him” (Romans 8.37). We find this trusting spirit in Jesus. For when death loomed, Jesus was still prepared to trust God. In Gethsemane he prayed: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup [of suffering] pass from me; yet not what I want, but what you want” (Matthew 26.42). Again he prayed: “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done” (Matthew 26.42). Here was meekness in the sense that Jesus exercised faith in God and was in control of himself to believe that ultimately God was in control.