BLESSINGS AND WOES

 Luke 6:20-26 / Keywords 6:20

BLESSINGS AND WOES

 

1. Those who are blessed (20-23)

Jesus knows that his disciples will experience deprivation, pain, sorrows,

hatred, and persecution. These struggles do not come because the disciples did

something wrong. These come as a side effect or consequence of following Jesus

in a world that hates him. Yet in the face of hardships, Jesus’ disciples are blessed.

Jesus gives his disciples the kingdom of God. He promises satisfaction, laughter

and joy. Our best life is not now; we will have an eternal reward in heaven when we

follow Jesus.

 

2. “Woe to you….” (24-26)

In contrast to the blessings, Jesus warns of woes to those who are now rich,

well-fed, and laugh and are praised. In themselves these are not bad. But if

our lives are centered on getting these things in this life, we have received our

temporal reward. Only woes remain for we have not sought God. May we heed

Jesus’ warnings and set our life direction on being a disciple of Jesus.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for teaching us about true blessing. Though I may suffer

now, help me to persevere based on your promises and hope.

One Word Blessed are you