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.
Luke 6:21
The blessed are…
3. Comforted.
"Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh." This statement teaches us something important about God's Kingdom: those who are sad and face difficulties in life are promised comfort. God is described as the ultimate Comforter, meaning He is always there to help us through our pain. When we grieve, we can take comfort in knowing that our suffering is seen by God, who also experienced great sorrow. This promise shows us that there is a purpose behind our struggles. Just like Jesus faced hard times, our difficulties can bring us closer to God and help us to grow in compassion and trust in Him. The blessing of being comforted during our weeping is tied to the hope for future joy- The joy that comes from knowing Jesus has conquered death and offers us eternal life.
On a practical level, this beatitude encourages us to face life's struggles not just alone, but together with others. As a Church, we should be a place where people who are hurting can find understanding, support, and hope. It’s important to create an environment where everyone feels safe to share their feelings without fear of being judged. We are also called to show compassion and actively help those who are feeling down, whether that's through offering help, praying for them, or simply listening. When we recognize that we are all part of a community, we can support each other through tough times, lifting each other's burdens. By doing this, we embody the promise that those who are sad today will 1 day experience joy and laughter, reflecting the hope of the Gospel to a World that needs it.
Luke 6:22-23
The blessed are…
4. Granted acceptance.
Jesus tells us that those who are persecuted for their faith are truly blessed. This blessing may seem strange because it often comes through hardships and challenges. The "blessed" are individuals who experience being mocked or left out because they choose to follow Jesus and live by His teachings. Their acceptance from God isn't about fitting into society's idea of success but about having a genuine relationship with Him. Jesus invites us to be joyful, even when we face trouble for our beliefs, reminding us that this acceptance from God strengthens our identity as His children. This connection goes beyond what people think of us and celebrates the bravery it takes to stand for what is right, even when it's difficult.
In practical terms, feeling accepted by God helps us remember who we are, especially when we face tough times. Knowing we are God’s beloved Children gives us strength when people challenge or reject us. It teaches us the importance of community, (not just in Church but in every part of life) where we offer support and acceptance to those who feel like outsiders or are struggling with their faith. As we strive to do what is right and help others, we show the same acceptance that God shows us. When we encounter persecution, we should respond with joy and strength, not resentment. We can remind ourselves and those around us that true acceptance comes from following Christ and that our struggles now are part of a bigger picture that leads to lasting joy in God’s Kingdom.
Luke 6:24-26
The blessed are…
5. Cautioned.
Jesus gives a strong warning to those who are rich, well-fed, and popular in society. He cautions them not to become too comfortable or to rely on their material success for security. This teaches us that focusing on worldly comforts and praise can distract us from depending on God. Jesus challenges our usual ideas about success, reminding us that true blessing often comes from facing struggles like poverty, hunger, and rejection for doing what is right. In a World that values wealth and power, we need to look at our lives and see if we are seeking approval from people instead of staying true to God's values.
On a practical level, this warning encourages us to pay attention to the needs around us and to develop humility and gratitude in our hearts. As followers of Christ, we should focus on what truly matters, like helping those who are poor and marginalized instead of chasing after the approval of the powerful. This might mean choosing to serve others rather than seeking success, fighting for justice rather than taking the easy way out, and being aware of the struggles faced by those around us. We should celebrate not only our own blessings but also work towards the well-being of others, which helps us understand what it really means to be blessed. By taking these warnings to heart, we can show the love that Jesus modeled, reminding ourselves and others that our weaknesses often draw us closer to God and deepen our faith.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the Message today, we are reminded that the true portrait of the blessed is often contrary to the World's standards. The blessed are those who embrace their spiritual poverty, who mourn over sin, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and who find themselves persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. This radical call to discipleship invites us to reexamine our lives and priorities, aligning them with the values of God’s Kingdom rather than the fleeting comforts of this World. As we close today, I urge you to consider where you stand in this portrait of the blessed. If you feel the tug of God on your heart, whether it's to deepen your faith, seek healing, or commit your life to Christ for the 1st time, I invite you to come forward. Let us pray together and seek the transformative grace that leads us into the fullness of life that Jesus promises to all who follow Him.
