By Luke Sills
In Matthew 5:5, Jesus declares, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” This powerful statement, nestled in the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, holds profound meaning for every believer. Today, we unpack what it means to be meek and why meekness is essential for those who desire to inherit God’s kingdom.
Understanding “Blessed”
The word “blessed” in the original Greek goes far beyond a simple “happy” feeling. To be blessed means to experience a deep, abiding joy rooted in the approval of God — the divine “applause of heaven.” It’s a present reality for those who trust God’s promises and a future hope for those who patiently wait on Him.
What Does It Mean to Be Meek?
Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness or passivity. But Scripture paints a different picture. Meekness is power under control — strength held in humble submission to God’s will rather than self-assertion.
The Greeks likened meekness to soothing medicine or a gentle breeze—powerful yet controlled, healing rather than destructive. Meekness is not about being a pushover. It is a patient endurance of offenses and a refusal to retaliate in anger or pride.
John MacArthur explains it well: meekness is the attitude of those who are broken in spirit because of their sin, yet stand humbly before a holy God. They offer no defense for themselves but will defend God’s name with their lives.
Biblical Examples of Meekness: Moses and Jesus
Moses is described in Numbers 12:3 as “very meek, more than all people on the face of the earth.” When faced with opposition, he did not fight with his own power but trusted God to act on his behalf.
Jesus Himself calls Himself meek and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). Though He was God incarnate, He humbled Himself, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8). Jesus demonstrated meekness by never defending Himself, yet fiercely defending the holiness of God, cleansing the temple with righteous anger when needed.
How Do We Know If We Are Meek?
Being meek requires godly self-control. Jesus invites us to take His yoke and learn from Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden light (Matthew 11:29-30). Like a young ox yoked to an experienced one, we learn self-control by walking closely with Christ.
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to exhibit the fruit of gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-24). Meekness also means responding properly—not quarrelsomely or harshly—but with kindness and patience, even when enduring evil (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
The Promise: Inheriting the Earth
Psalm 37:11 echoes this promise: “But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” To inherit the earth means far more than worldly possession; it’s a declaration that God’s kingdom belongs to those who trust Him, live humbly, and walk faithfully.
John Piper reminds us that since God has already made us heirs of the world through Christ, we have no need to boast or compete in worldly pride. The meek find their security and joy in God’s approval and promise.
Living Out Meekness Today
To walk in meekness:
- Trust and commit your ways fully to God (Psalm 37:3-5).
- Cultivate self-control through close fellowship with Jesus.
- Respond to others with kindness, patience, and gentleness.
- Remember the example of Moses and Jesus as models of true meekness.
- Most importantly, if you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, embrace Him today — the source of true meekness and the promise of eternal inheritance.
Meekness is a supernatural grace, one that defies natural human instincts for pride and self-defense. It is the humble strength of those who know they are nothing apart from God, yet everything through Him.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. May this truth empower you to walk in humility and strength, confident in the promises of God’s kingdom.