Meekness

Interpreting and comprehending Jesus’ identifying ‘the righteous’ with ‘the meek’ in Matthew 5:5 is the subject. Consider the following:


“The second word [meek] belongs with his own characterization in Matthew 11:29: ‘I am meek and lowly in heart . . . ‘ The word (praus in Greek) means one who makes no claim, but –having rights – nonetheless waives them. It denotes absorption of evil, rather than its requital in retaliation. ‘Do not resist evil’ (Matt 5:39) does not imply that wrong is never to be opposed, but rather that evil is not allowed to involve us in its resentments. Instead, for example, of the lex talionis (the right to exact one’s rights) by which the evil comes round full circle and persists in retaliatory being, ‘the meek’ stay (arrest) it in themselves and thereby purge the situation of its enmity. In so doing, they take the context into creative renewal and cause the goodness of the earth to be repossessed, whereas the contrary stance confirms its evil, serves its cynicism, sides with its contentiousness and justifies its despair. Only in the redemptiveness of which meekness is the nerve and fiber is the earth held in righteous trust.” (Kenneth Cragg, Jesus and the Muslim, 133)

It is important for those of us who claim to be Christians to grasp what Cragg is identifying here. Once understood, the imagery of relationships that begins to form in our minds should then grasp us and carry over into our actions. Read the paragraph again, then consider his points in light of the following verses. Think well on Matthew 11:27-30 and try to put words to how Cragg’s views above can facilitate soul rest. Christ’s yoke is his government. The rest he offers had previously not been available. Now it is. Enjoy thinking through this.

God’s best.

Carl


“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt 5:5)

“All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle [meek] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt 11:27-30)

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (1 Pet 2:21)

See Romans 12:15-21

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” (1 Jn 2:6)