"The Power of Gentleness"
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Stand with me as we read Matthew 5:1-12 -
300 Illustrations for Preachers (“Basketball Is Not the Ultimate”)
“Basketball Is Not the Ultimate”
Coach John Wooden wrote in They Call Me Coach, “I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior.”
With 664 victories and 10 national championships, Wooden is arguably the most successful college basketball coach that ever lived, and yet he drew attention to his relationship with Christ as the greatest source of his success.
—Jim L. Wilson and David Mills
300 Illustrations for Preachers (The Anger of Tommy Bolt)
The Anger of Tommy Bolt
Professional golfer Tommy Bolt died in 2008 at the age of 92. Because of his memorable displays of temper, many called him Thunder Bolt. He gave advice to others on how to display their displeasure properly on a golf course. One of his favorites was, “Always throw the club ahead of you so you can pick it up on your way.” Another well-intentioned warning was for the angry golfer: “Never break your driver and putter in the same round.” Many believe Bolt’s temper tantrums delayed his entry into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He defended his excesses by pleading that he never threw a club that didn’t deserve it. He also pleaded that they haven’t yet made as many golf clubs as people have accused him of throwing.
How would you like that to be your legacy?
—Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell
The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume (πραΰς, πραΰτης)
l. Matthew. In accordance with their different emphases in Christology, Mark, Luke, John, and Hebrews never use the group, and Paul uses only the noun. Matthew alone of the Synoptists uses praǘs (Mt. 5:5; 11:29; 21:5). In 11:25ff. Jesus calls himself praǘs. His is a lowly mission, and his heart is fixed only on God; for this very reason he can invite with full authority. In 21:5 (cf. Zech. 9:9) he makes a peaceful entry into Jerusalem in sharp contrast to Zealot hopes. In Mt. 5:5 the meek to whom the inheritance is promised are those who acknowledge the great and gracious will of God. The emphasis here is on the future; they will rule with God in the eschaton.
2. Paul. Dealing with the contentious Corinthians, Paul brings to bear the meekness of Christ that has its basis in love (2 Cor. 10:1; 1 Cor. 4:21), not in weakness. praǘtēs is a gift of the Spirit in Gal. 5:23; it enables the believer to correct others without arrogance (6:1). In Col. 3:12 it is one of the gifts of election, and in Eph. 4:2 it is worthy of Christian calling.
3. Pastoral Epistles. In 2 Tim. 2:25 correcting opponents with gentleness will perhaps bring about their conversion. Tit. 3:2 commends gentleness to all people, and in 1 Pet. 3:16 the defense of the faith should be with gentleness.
4. James. Jms. 1:21 contrasts praǘtēs with anger (v. 20); it entails a readiness to be taught in the word. The divine wisdom is gentle and peaceable (3:13, 17), and its gentleness will be a mark of the righteous in pleasing contrast to bitterness and contention.
Christian Quotations (Gentleness)
Gentleness
Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.
St Francis de Sales
If you would reap praise, sow the seeds; gentle words and useful deeds.
Benjamin Franklin
Soft words are hard arguments.
Thomas Fuller
Only the truly strong and great can be truly tender. Tenderness is a mark of nobility, not of weakness.
James Philip
In a world that praises aggression, self-promotion, and dominance, Jesus gives a shocking statement in Matthew 5:5 - “the meek are blessed...”
To most people, meekness sounds like weakness—but throughout Scripture, meekness is strength under control. It is not cowardice—it is Christlike character.
In the Beatitudes the progression has been thus far -
Poor in spirit (recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy)
Mourning (grieving over sin past, present, and future)
Meekness (submitting to God’s will)
Proposition - As we come to the third beatitude today I invite you to engage your minds as we uncover what it means by the statement: “Blessed are the gentle...” We will look at: 1) The definition of gentleness, 2) the character of gentleness, and 3) the blessedness of gentleness.
Interrogative Question - How can we ensure that our reactions to adversity reflect a spirit of gentleness?
Matthew, Vols. 1–4: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (The Meaning of Meekness)
The essential difference between being poor in spirit and being meek, or gentle, may be that poverty in spirit focuses on our sinfulness, whereas meekness focuses on God’s holiness. The basic attitude of humility underlies both virtues. When we look honestly at ourselves, we are made humble by seeing how sinful and unworthy we are; when we look at God, we are made humble by seeing how righteous and worthy He is.
We again can see logical sequence and progression in the Beatitudes. Poverty of spirit (the first) is negative, and results in mourning (the second). Meekness (the third) is positive, and results in seeking righteousness (the fourth). Being poor in spirit causes us to turn away from ourselves in mourning, and meekness causes us to turn toward God in seeking His righteousness.
Matthew, Vols. 1–4: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (The Meaning of Meekness)
Most of Jesus’ hearers, like fallen men throughout history, were concerned about justifying their own ways, defending their own rights, and serving their own ends. The way of meekness was not their way, and therefore the true kingdom was not their kingdom. The proud Pharisees wanted a miraculous kingdom, the proud Sadducees wanted a materialistic kingdom, the proud Essenes wanted a monastic kingdom, and the proud Zealots wanted a military kingdom. The humble Jesus offered a meek kingdom.
I. The Definition of Gentleness -
I. The Definition of Gentleness -
5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
The word “Gentleness” refers to meekness, humility, and controlled strength.
Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament (Chapter 5)
C. “Meek” (v. 5).
Meekness is not weakness! Jesus was meek (Matt. 11:29), yet He drove the changers from the temple. Moses was meek (Num. 12:3), yet he judged sinners and even faced Aaron with his sin. Meekness means not asserting my own rights, but living for the glory of God. Christians are to show meekness (Eph. 4:1–2; Titus 3:2). We are prone to be self-willed.
Matthew, Vols. 1–4: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (The Meaning of Meekness)
Meekness does not connote weakness. The word was used in much extrabiblical literature to refer to the breaking of an animal. Meekness means power put under control. A person without meekness is “like a city that is broken into and without walls” (Prov. 25:28). “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city” (Prov. 16:32). An unbroken colt is useless; medicine that is too strong will harm rather than cure; a wind out of control destroys. Emotion out of control also destroys, and has no place in God’s kingdom. Meekness uses its resources appropriately.
Gentleness is power retrained and directed by submission to God -
3 (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
Meekness is:
Not weakness, but power restrained
Not passivity, but submission to God
Not self-exaltation, but humility
Perfect Example: Christ
29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
Jesus had all power, yet He chose humility.
Illustration #1: The War Horse
In ancient times, a war horse was trained for battle. It had great strength and power—but it was under the control of its rider.
That is meekness - strength brought under control for a higher purpose, to bring Glory to God.
II. The Character of Gentleness -
II. The Character of Gentleness -
Gentleness is not just an idea—it shows up in daily life, it is to be a character trait of all believers.
Toward God – Submission
9 He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.
A meek person says: “Not my will, but Yours.”
Toward Others – Gentleness
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,
Not easily angered, not harsh, not proud -
Toward Circumstances – Trust
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
Examples of gentleness -
Abraham -
5 Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 And the land could not sustain them while dwelling together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to remain together. 7 And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling then in the land. 8 So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. 9 “Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.”
Joseph -
2 He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard of it. 3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 “For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8 “Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? 20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
Moses -
3 (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)
David -
5 It came about afterward that David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe. 6 So he said to his men, “Far be it from me because of the Lord that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the Lord’s anointed.
5 When King David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out from there a man of the family of the house of Saul whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came out cursing continually as he came. 6 He threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David; and all the people and all the mighty men were at his right hand and at his left. 7 Thus Shimei said when he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, and worthless fellow! 8 “The Lord has returned upon you all the bloodshed of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the Lord has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. And behold, you are taken in your own evil, for you are a man of bloodshed!” 9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head.” 10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the Lord has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’ ” 11 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him. 12 “Perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.”
Ahab -
27 It came about when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about despondently.
Uzziah -
4 He did right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Amaziah had done. 5 He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him. 6 Now he went out and warred against the Philistines, and broke down the wall of Gath and the wall of Jabneh and the wall of Ashdod; and he built cities in the area of Ashdod and among the Philistines.
16 But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 Then Azariah the priest entered after him and with him eighty priests of the Lord, valiant men. 18 They opposed Uzziah the king and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful and will have no honor from the Lord God.” 19 But Uzziah, with a censer in his hand for burning incense, was enraged; and while he was enraged with the priests, the leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, beside the altar of incense. 20 Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead; and they hurried him out of there, and he himself also hastened to get out because the Lord had smitten him. 21 King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death; and he lived in a separate house, being a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the Lord. And Jotham his son was over the king’s house judging the people of the land.
Job -
21 He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Jeremiah -
19 But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; And I did not know that they had devised plots against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, And let us cut him off from the land of the living, That his name be remembered no more.”
14 “But as for me, behold, I am in your hands; do with me as is good and right in your sight.
Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ -
38 And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Stephen -
60 Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.
Paul -
16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.
Gentleness in the life of Jesus Christ -
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.
29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Gentle, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”
61 But He kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”
34 But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
1 Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!
23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
Trusting God instead of forcing outcomes -
Illustration #2: Moses and Criticism (Numbers 12)
Moses was criticized by his own family—yet he did not defend himself. Instead, he remained quiet and trusted God.
God stepped in and defended Moses.
The meek do not have to fight every battle—God fights for them.
III. The Blessedness of Gentleness -
III. The Blessedness of Gentleness -
5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
This promise points to both present blessing and future fulfillment.
The Sermon on the Mount: (Matthew 5–7): An Expositional Commentary (To Inherit the Earth)
The second beatitude goes on to teach that the meek “shall inherit the earth.” What does this mean? Well, it is not a promise that the children of God will own oil wells, or blocks of downtown Manhattan, or orchards in southern California. It is a promise for the future.
Yet there is a sense in which the meek shall inherit the earth now. For the meek man is the man who is satisfied and is therefore content. Paul was such a man. He owned very little, yet he spoke of himself as “possessing everything” (2 Cor. 6:10).
Present Blessing -
3 Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday. 7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. 11 But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.
The Sermon on the Mount: (Matthew 5–7): An Expositional Commentary (What Is Meekness?)
Psalm 37:3–7, 10–11
Who then are the meek according to the thirty-seventh psalm? They are those who trust in the Lord, who delight themselves in the Lord, who commit their way unto the Lord, who rest in the Lord. It is these who are happy, according to Jesus Christ; and it is these who shall inherit the earth.
Peace, contentment, and joy in the present age -
Future Kingdom -
Refers to Christ’s coming reign -
17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Our world says:
Take what you can
Fight for your rights
Jesus God incarnate says:
Submit to God
Trust God
Citizenship is in heaven
Illustration #3: The Quiet Inheritance
Imagine two people:
One fights and manipulates to gain everything now
The other quietly trusts God and lives humbly
In the end, the one who trusted God receives far more—eternally.
God’s rewards are never rushed—but they are always right.
SO WHAT?
Gentleness ought to impact our everyday lives as believers -
When someone insults you → respond with gentleness
When you want control → submit to God
When you feel overlooked → trust God’s plan
Ask Yourself:
Do I react with anger or humility?
Do I demand my way or submit to God?
Do I trust God to handle injustice?
Meekness is not weakness—it is Christlike strength.
Jesus Christ, the King of kings:
Came humbly
Lived meekly
Died willingly
Will return in glory
And those who follow Him in meekness/Gentleness will one day reign with Him.
I encourage you friends this week - Choose to live out gentleness -
In your words
In your reactions
In your attitude
Because the truly strong are not those who control others — but those who are controlled by God.
We must not make natural infirmity an excuse for sin, but we must fly to the cross and pray the Lord to crucify our tempers, and renew us in gentleness and meekness after His own image.
Charles Spurgeon
How can we demonstrate gentleness in our relationship with God?
In what ways can recognizing our spiritual poverty lead us to greater meekness?
What are some practical steps we can take to submit to God’s will in our daily lives?
How does understanding meekness as strength under control change our perspective on adversity?
What does it mean for us to inherit the earth as described in Matthew 5:5?
How can we incorporate gentleness in our responses to conflicts in our lives?
What are some real-life situations where we struggle to be meek, and how can we overcome them?
How does trusting God's plan over our own affect our interactions with others?
What are ways we can actively practice humility in our daily routines?
How can our understanding of Christlike gentleness impact our workplace relationships?
