Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."

This week Nicky Gumbel writes well concerning the word 'meek' and John Calvin likewise is helpful in understanding 'inherit the earth'.

Nicky Gumbel:

"The Greek word for 'meek' does not mean 'weak, spineless, feeble, lifeless or dreary'. Rather it means 'gentle, considerate and unassuming'. It means 'broken', not in the sense of destroyed or shattered, but in the sense that a horse is broken when it is tamed: strength under submission."

"Moses is described as 'very meek, more than all men that were on the face of the earth' (Numbers 12:3 RSV). Moses was hardly a weak and spineless leader! But all the force of his character was held in place by God.

John Calvin's thoughts:

"By the meek he means persons of mild and gentle dispositions, who are not easily provoked by injuries, who are not ready to take offence, but are prepared to endure anything rather than do the like actions to wicked men."

Summarized thought of Calvin on 'inherit the earth':

It is generally thought that strong, violent people will rule the world. They will take it by force. What we realize as Christians, is that everything is a gift of God and we enjoy the fruit of the earth now and the full inheritance of the earth at the last day.

Robert Mounce in his commentary: (I disagree with him at points, but this is thoughtful)

"Only the meek have the capacity to enjoy life in all those things that provide genuine and lasting satisfaction."

Possible questions for discussion:

Was Jesus meek? Describe his character.

What does it mean to be meek today?

Do you know someone who is meek?

What does it mean to inherit the earth?