MAKE ROOM
A New Year Devotional from Matthew 5:3–12

“Later in his life, I bet the innkeeper wished he had made more room for Jesus. Me too.”
— Bob Goff

That line should stop us.
The innkeeper didn’t reject Jesus.
He didn’t oppose Him.
He simply had no room.
And Scripture never records his name—not because he was evil, but because he was full

As we stand at the doorway of a new year, the question is unavoidable: Is there room for Jesus—or has every space already been filled?

Read Matthew 5:3–12 slowly 3 times. 

This is Jesus’ first sermon. These are His opening words. This is how the Kingdom begins—not with effort, but with surrender.

I. Poor in Spirit — Making Space Begins with Emptiness 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) To be poor in spirit is to recognize your complete spiritual bankruptcy before God, and that recognition produces grief over sin. It is standing before God knowing: I bring nothing. I offer nothing. I deserve nothing. The Kingdom belongs to those who know they are empty without Him. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

II. Mourning — Grief That Opens the Door 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) This is godly sorrow—not shame, not regret, but grief that leads to repentance. Unconfessed sin occupies space Jesus will not share. “Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

III. Meekness — Yielding Control

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Meekness is strength submitted to God. Jesus does not reign where He is negotiated with. “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

IV. Hunger and Thirst — What Are You Feeding?

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6) What fills your appetite shapes your direction. Busyness often crowds out holiness. “Man shall not live by bread alone.” (Matthew 4:4)

V. Mercy and Purity — Clearing the Room 

“Blessed are the merciful… Blessed are the pure in heart.” (Matthew 5:7–8) Bitterness, compromise, and double-minded devotion all take up space. “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10)

VI. Persecution — The Cost of Making Room 

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” (Matthew 5:10) Making room for Jesus will cost comfort—but it gains the Kingdom. “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)

Reflection Questions

Take time with these. Don’t rush them. 

Where is my life currently full—leaving little room for Jesus? 

What sin have I minimized or delayed confessing that needs to be brought into the light? 

What am I still trying to control instead of surrendering to Christ? 

What am I feeding my hunger with that is not righteousness?

Is there any bitterness or unforgiveness occupying space in my heart? 

If Jesus were to examine every room of my life, which one would I hesitate to open? 

When I look back on this year later, what would I regret not surrendering now? 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 139:23)

Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, we confess we have been full of many things that are not You. As we step into this new year, we choose to empty ourselves—of pride, sin, distraction, and control. Make Your home in us. We do not want regret; we want obedience. Rule every room. Amen.”