Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
In this third Beatitude, Jesus flips the world’s values upside down. Our culture often celebrates power, assertiveness, and ambition, yet here Jesus declares a blessing on the meek, promising them the inheritance of the earth. What does it mean to be meek, and how does this paradoxical promise unfold in our lives?
Understanding meekness
To many, meekness is misunderstood as weakness or passivity. However, biblical meekness is far from either of these. The Greek word for meek, praus, conveys the idea of strength under control. It describes a person who exhibits humility, gentleness, and patience, even in the face of provocation or adversity.
Meekness reflects the heart of Christ. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus describes Himself as “gentle and humble in heart.” Far from weak, Jesus exemplified power restrained by love and purpose. His authority was undeniable, yet He chose to serve, forgive, and submit to the will of the Father – even to the point of death.
The promise: inheriting the earth
The meek are promised an inheritance of the earth. This echoes Psalm 37:11: “But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” What does this mean?
Present blessing: Meekness brings a sense of peace and contentment. The meek are not driven by selfish ambition or consumed by the need to dominate. They find joy in God’s provision and trust His timing, living in harmony with Him and others.
Future fulfillment: The ultimate fulfillment of this promise lies in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1). The meek will share in God’s eternal kingdom, a place of perfect peace and justice where Christ reigns supreme.
Living out meekness
Surrendering to God: Meekness begins with submission to God’s authority. It is acknowledging that He is sovereign and trusting His plans, even when they differ from our own.
Practicing gentleness: Meekness is evident in how we treat others. Paul encourages believers to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). In a world prone to conflict, the meek respond with kindness and understanding.
Resisting retaliation: The meek do not seek revenge or assert dominance. Instead, they entrust their circumstances to God, confident that He will vindicate them in His time.
Cultivating contentment: Meekness involves finding satisfaction in God’s provision rather than striving for more or comparing ourselves to others. It is living with gratitude and trust.
The power of meekness
The paradox of this Beatitude lies in the hidden power of meekness. While the world prizes strength and control, God’s kingdom operates differently. It is through humility and surrender that we gain the greatest inheritance.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this principle. Philippians 2:6-8 tells us that though Jesus was equal with God, He “made himself nothing” and “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death.” His meekness led to His exaltation and the redemption of the world.
Reflection
Are there areas in your life where you need to embrace meekness? Perhaps it’s in your relationships, where pride or impatience has taken root. Or maybe it’s in your trust in God, where surrender feels risky.
As we reflect on this Beatitude, may we follow the example of Christ, who perfectly embodied meekness. In doing so, we will discover the blessing of His peace and the promise of inheriting His eternal kingdom.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” May this truth reshape the way we live, love, and lead in the world today.