Jesus Life Hacks // Under Control Matthew 5:5

Matthew 5:5 NIV “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

A few eyebrows were more than likely raised when Jesus said this because it goes against the religious thought of the day, which was that the only way to inherit the land was to overthrow Rome, not by being meek, which is basically the same today.

When was the last time you heard someone say, “To get ahead in life be meek.”

Meekness is not weakness but rather strength under control.

A meek person, on the other hand, can do something but chooses not to

The word meek from the Greek language was used to describe reining in a stallion. It is the idea of a horse being controlled by a bit and bridle. The horse is choosing to submit to authority. That is meekness. It is power under constraint.

Gentleness and Meekness characterized Jesus.

John 18:2-14
"Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”[a] Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people."

The Bible says the last is first.
• Giving is receiving.
• Dying is living.
• Losing is finding.
• The least is the greatest.
• Meekness is a strength.

Jesus chose meekness, he didn't lash back when criticized, slandered, or treated unjustly.

When His time of suffering came, Jesus submitted to the will of His Father and endured the abuse and murderous intentions of the hypocritical leaders. He demonstrated meekness to the very end.

We don't celebrate meekness in our culture. Instead, we celebrate assertiveness.
We celebrate getting things from other people, sometimes even taking advantage of other people.

1. It's choosing to not jump in on a facebook argument/ debate.

2. It's choosing to hold your tongue.

3. It's the choice to respond with kindness and grace when attacked..

4. It's not being passive aggressive

5. Its having the ability to stay cool when those around you become hostile.

6. Its receiving correction and instruction with a good attitude.

7. Its offering forgiveness and grace to those around you.

Meekness is used throughout the bible to show an attitude of the heart. It’s an attitude of submission to God.

James 3:13 ESV “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”