Because

Because - Luke 6: 27 - 38

Intro: If you believe you are blessed, raise your hand. The scripture lesson for today is known as THE BEATITUDES. They are called that because of one word in Greek, µa?????? / makarios. This word has many translations: blessed / to be fully satisfied / supremely blest / fortunate / well off / happy.

Now that you know the full meaning of the word, “blessed” how many of you now believe you are blessed? Remember, it can mean “well off” / fully satisfied / fortunate as well as blessed. Some would say the characteristics of an extraordinarily blessed life might include: a loving marriage, obedient children, a healthy body, a successful career, trusted friends, and financial abundance. If these are the characteristics of a blessed life, then having all of them should translate into an extraordinarily blessed life.

I VV 20 – 22 4 times in these verses Jesus used the word “blessed” saying that the poor, the hungry, those who weep, and those who are hated are blessed. Luke’s beatitudes include only the 1st, 4th, and 9th as recorded in Matthew’s gospel and are directed at the disciples.

A Do you still think you are blessed? Are you poor, hungry, weeping, and hated? If so, you are blessed.

B Blessings come from God NOT favorable circumstances or anything else that you or someone else has done.

II The Beatitudes are also listed in Matthew. However, Matthew does not include the “woes” recorded here in Luke. The woes are address to those who are: rich, well-fed and laughing.

A VV 24 – 26 for each “blessed” Luke includes a “woe”. Luke systematically pairs each “blessing” with a “woe.” The blessings are in the present tense; but, the woes are in the future tense.

B The Greek word ??a? / ouai is used here by Luke. It is primarily used as an exclamation of grief / woe / alas / gracious me / Oh my. The “woes” declare that those who prosper now will be judged later. Jesus implies that

Concl: As important as these two words are to our understanding there is another word we can easily overlook. This word is used in both the “blessed” and “woe” statements. It is the word FOR. In Greek the word is ?t? / hoti which can mean that / concerning that / as though / for / in that / used casually corresponding to the English word because. In each case, the word because helps to clarify the circumstance surrounding “blessing” and “woe”. You will have great woe because you live by the standards of the world. But, you will be greatly blessed because you let God determine who you are.