Pastoral Ministry and the Beatitudes: Blessed Are the Meek

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Perhaps the most surprising and countercultural of all the Beatitudes is the third (not included in Luke’s version): “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5; cf. Psalm 37:11). What does “meek” even mean? We know the word from the familiar phrase “meek and mild,” referring to a person that is gentle, quiet, and (at times overly) submissive. In our fast-paced world, it’s hard to see how this kind of meekness would be a virtue. No one wants to be a wimp or doormat. I’m writing this piece while in New York City, and let me tell you, meekness doesn’t seem to be a virtue here!

And yet, as so often, Jesus surprises us, and challenges us, to be countercultural by extolling the uncommon virtue of meekness, despite common misconceptions about what such a disposition entails. How, then, should we actually think of this kingdom virtue, and how should we as pastors and leaders of God’s people exhibit it, and encourage it, in others?

The Christlikeness of Meekness

The word “meek” occurs only four times in the entire New Testament, of which three are found in Matthew. It is thus distinctive Matthean vocabulary. The second occurrence, in which the word for “meek” is translated as “gentle,” is well known:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28–30).

Meekness, gentleness, and humility are Christlike virtues. The King of kings and Lord of lords is meek, gentle, and humble!

Jesus exhibited the virtue of meekness at his so-called “Triumphal Entry” into the city of Jerusalem just prior to the crucifixion. In fact, here is how Matthew describes the mode of Jesus’s entry in language taken from the prophet Zechariah:

Say to Daughter Zion, “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Matthew 21:5; quoting Zechariah 9:9).

Many first-century Jews expected a regal, powerful Messiah; Jesus, however, while being a descendent of David through the line of his adoptive father Joseph, came not only as the royal son of David but also as Isaiah’s suffering Servant (cf. Isaiah 52:13–53:12).

In this way, meekness is not merely one among several kingdom virtues; it is in many ways the virtue par excellence, epitomizing the very nature of Jesus’s kingship.

There were times in his ministry when Jesus briefly flashed his messianic authority, such as when he cleansed the temple in holy zeal for God’s house, the Jerusalem temple. Yet Jesus’s heart was, as Dane Ortlund reminds us in his instant classic, Gentle and Lowly, consistently compassionate and kind toward sinners, bearing with our weaknesses, and extending to us mercy and grace.

The Countercultural Nature of Meekness

It is hard to imagine a more countercultural Christian virtue than meekness.

Our professional, and even personal, world prizes assertiveness, if not aggressiveness. It may be necessary, even vital, to elbow others out of the way, whether literally or figuratively, to get what we want. This may take the form of subtle intrigue, political schemes, or even badmouthing another person. Sadly, we find these kinds of practices not only in the world, but also in the church. People protect their turf of ministry. They are unwilling to share power with others but hog it for themselves. They are competitive rather than collaborative.

Meekness, by contrast, is characterized by an inner peace that doesn’t need to push others out to get what you want. Like Jesus, you are secure in who you are in Christ and in your calling in life.

Meekness is grounded in quiet trust in God.

Lean on our heavenly Father to guide you toward his perfect will for you in Christ. Trust that no one can thwart God’s purposes for you. While appearing weak, meekness conceals an inner strength. It enables us to care for the needs of others and to emulate King Jesus in his demeanor toward God, himself, and others. Rather than despicable or deplorable, meekness is beautiful, and pleasing to God.

How Do We Achieve and Practice Meekness?

I once knew a pastor who was consistently loud, brash, and bombastic. He exuded vast amounts of confidence, if not arrogance. For years, his ministry seemed to be thriving, and hisstyle earned him rising popularity among many in the church. Then, suddenly, it came to light that the pastor had run up a large debt and, while giving the impression of participatory leadership, had in fact eluded accountability and exhibited dictatorial tendencies. Within a year, the pastor was gone; as far as I know, he is no longer in the ministry. This is a cautionary tale that illustrates the necessity of meekness in those who would lead God’s people.

The meek pastor is aware of his weaknesses and limitations. He seeks accountability and treats others with mercy, grace, and compassion, because he realizes that he himself needs others to treat him this way.

The meek pastor shares his leadership. He delegates. Not just the unpleasant tasks he’d rather not do himself, but also desirable tasks that others might even do better than he himself can; and he works well with others.

The meek pastor is a man of prayer and the Word. He stays close to Jesus. He is open to feedback and regularly invites it, even if he thinks things are going well in the church. We all have blind spots, things we can’t see but that are glaringly obvious to others.

Conclusion

“Blessed are those who are meek.” They may not achieve superior status in this world or make as much money as those who aggressively or surreptitiously push others out. But, as Jesus reminds us, it is the meek who “will inherit the earth.” God’s kingdom is forever, and God prizes people who exhibit Christlike character.

Pastors, exalt those who are genuinely meek, of low or no status, in your congregation. Praise them in front of others and encourage others to imitate those who are truly meek.

The Old Testament describes Moses, the man of God, as exceedingly meek (Numbers 12:3). If Moses and Jesus, two of the greatest leaders in human history, were meek, we would do well to take another look at this kingdom virtue of meekness.

Meekness may be the most neglected Christian trait, but it holds great promise not only for this life but also for the life to come. Embrace it!

As Peter counsels godly wives in the final occurrence of the word “meek” in the New Testament, appreciate “the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Peter 3:4). “For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5; cf. Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6).

©2025, Andreas Köstenberger. Used with permission.