A Portrait Of The Blessed Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#18]

A PORTRAIT OF THE BLESSED

Luke 6:12-26

Introduction:

I passed out 5 times on Monday and had to work from home. We went to Lubbock for my Pulmonologist appointment on Tuesday and I had to let Karen drive (which is a sign that I was not feeling well). I made it through Wednesday with only passing out twice; Thursday passing out 3 times; and passing out 6 times on Friday. Now why would I start the Sermon out this way? Also, on Wednesday was our Grand-Daughter Allie’s 4th Birthday; and Karen and I got to FaceTime with her. On Friday, Karen and I had the joy of Face Timing with Tyler and Imani. Imani is Tyler’s niece that they kept for a year; and is our Grand-Daughter. While I had a tough week, just seeing and talking with 3 of my Grand-Daughters seemed to make everything better. I am so blessed. Just like the song that we sang this morning says. “On my best day, I am a child of God; and on my worst day, I am a child of God.”

We see an important moment in Jesus' Ministry as He goes up a mountain to pray before choosing His 12 Apostles. This time of prayer shows us how vital it is to connect with God before making big decisions. This close relationship with God sets the stage for what Jesus teaches next. In these verses, Jesus shares a new view of what it means to be blessed, turning upside down our ideas of happiness and success. As we look at this passage, we will see how Jesus invites us to understand true blessing as being humble, caring for others, and trusting in God, which is very different from what the World often values. Ultimately, we’ll learn that being blessed isn’t just about what happens to us on the outside; it’s about the condition of our hearts and our connection to God’s Kingdom.

Luke 6:12-19

The blessed are…

1. Chosen.

We see Jesus selecting His 12 Disciples after spending a night in prayer. This choice shows us that being "chosen" is not about being good enough; it’s a beautiful gift from God. Theologically, this tells us that those who are blessed are picked by God for His work and purpose. It reminds us that no matter our background, mistakes, or social standing, God invites us into a special relationship with Him. Our worth isn’t based on what we’ve done but on who we are in Christ, who gives us the strength to live out our calling and shine His light in the World.

Practically, understanding that we are "chosen" encourages us to embrace our special role within our community and beyond. It helps us to stop comparing ourselves to others and to recognize that God has a purpose for each of us. Knowing that we are equipped by Him motivates us to serve, share our stories of hope, and show love to those around us. As we live as the blessed, we can inspire others to see their value and purpose too. By creating an atmosphere of acceptance, we not only share Christ’s love but also fulfill our calling to bring blessings to others, reminding everyone that being chosen is a wonderful chance to join in God’s work in the World.

Luke 6:20

The blessed are…

2. Filled with joy.

Jesus changes our understanding of what it means to be blessed by saying, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” This surprising message challenges the usual ideas about happiness, showing us that true joy doesn’t come from money or status, but from having a close relationship with God. Those who are poor and often ignored by society are specifically acknowledged as receiving God’s grace. This shows us an important truth- God’s Kingdom is open to everyone, especially those in need. The joy that these people experience comes from knowing that God is with them and will provide for them. When we realize our own weaknesses and needs, we can truly experience God’s grace and joy in our lives.

On a practical level, the idea that “the blessed are filled with joy” prompts us to think about what makes us truly happy. In a World that often equates success with wealth and social status, Jesus reminds us to find joy in simpler things- Like community, kindness, and growing spiritually. When we focus on helping others, especially those who are struggling, we open our hearts to the joy that comes from aligning with God’s will. This mindset helps us become more grateful in our everyday lives, shifting away from a scarcity view to one of abundance in faith. By finding joy not in what we own, but in the love and grace of God, we can live as examples of the blessed- Proving that true joy is not about what we have, but about who we are connected to.