"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

This first beautitude sets the stage for all that will follow. It begins with the word 'blessed' (better translated as 'happy') and then presents a particular character trait. This is followed by a result. If somebody embodies a particular characteristic, then this is what they will receive.

The first beautitude is also the most basic and leads into all the others. The subject is humility. It is not those who are materally poor-that is another Greek word entirely. This is those who are poor to the point of being a beggar, but those who are beggarly in a spiritual way. Remember, it is not just 'poor' but 'poor in spirit'. Those who realize their deep spiritual poverty, that they are sinners desperately in need of relief, or salvation.

Such people, who realize they have nothing in and of themselves, that they cannot save themsevles, are the ones to receive the Kingdom of Heaven. Not those who see themselves as spiritually self-sufficient, but those who cannot be.

This is the basic attitude needed for salvation, that we cannot save ourselves nor are good enough in and of ourselves. These are the people who meet, love and follow Jesus