Meek Does Not Mean Weak Series

As we’ve been learning in this series, these eight statements spoken by the Savior describe what it means to be a Christian. Jesus does not focus on outward performance like going to church, or giving, or even serving. His concern is much deeper as He delineates how a disciple should be on the inside. A Christian is someone who is poor in spirit by recognizing their own spiritual bankruptcy; who laments the losses of life, sorrows over sin, cries over the condition of others, and weeps for the world. A Christ-follower is one who is meek; is hungry for the right things; is merciful to others; pursues purity; works to make peace in the midst of conflict; and is persecuted for trying to do what is right.

Defining Meekness

This Beatitude is difficult for us to grasp because some of us equate meekness with weakness. In fact, if you were to go up and tell someone that they were meek, I’m not sure it would be received as a compliment. The thesaurus lists some synonyms that aren’t very flattering: docile, mild, tame, soft, passive and spineless. It’s no wonder we don’t want to be called meek, if that’s what the word means. But since this characteristic is part of the definition of a disciple, we need to understand what Jesus meant when He said it.

The word “meek” was used in at least four different contexts that taken together will help us understand how we can demonstrate meekness in our lives.

In the Greek culture, meekness was considered a virtue that was balanced between too much and too little anger. The meek man was neither timid nor given to fits of rage.

Greek physicians used the word “meek” to describe a soothing medicine. If too little medicine is given, it won’t work; if too much is prescribed, it can hurt instead of heal. The proper amount can work wonders.

“Meek” was also used to describe a gentle breeze that blew in from the ocean. Wind can rage and do great damage but when it blows gently, it brings soothing comfort.

This word was commonly used to describe a wild stallion that had been tamed. A broken horse is still very powerful, but his power is now under the control of the bridle.

The common thread in these descriptions is that meekness represents different forms of power that can be used for positive purposes or for evil intentions. The commentator Barclay refers to the meek man as one “who has every instinct under control. Every impulse, every passion, every ounce of strength has been harnessed.” Even with this helpful background information, those who heard these words must have scratched their heads. Didn’t Jesus just mention that the “kingdom of heaven is near” in Matthew 4:17? If the kingdom were coming, wouldn’t they have to get ready to rumble with the Romans?

John Piper believes the most significant question we can ask of each beatitude is: What does this have to do with God? This is important because we’re called to display the goodness and glory of God to a watching world. When we live out the beatitudes, people can’t help but see that God is at work in our lives because these character qualities are not natural, but supernatural. Piper writes: “Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount so that his Father would get the glory for the way the disciples lived.” We see the heart of Jesus in Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” These character qualities are not strictly for our benefit or even for our blessing, but so that others may be attracted to the Almighty and begin to praise Him for who He is.