What Jesus Did! 'The Real Blessing' — Luke 11:27-28

Friday, July 28, 2023

As [Jesus] was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, "God bless your mother — the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!"

Jesus replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."

— Luke 11:27-28 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus never passed up an opportunity to help people move to a higher truth. Yes, there were those who criticized him. Yes, there were those who idolized him. He came, however, to bring God's message of salvation and the Kingdom to people who had just about lost hope. He came to share God's truth with folks normally left out of the religious discussion. So Jesus used both criticism and praise from others to be opportunities to lead people to a greater truth. The real blessing doesn't have to do with physical ties to Jesus. No, the real blessing is given to those who put the word of God into practice. He has spoken that word to them - and to us!

Today's Prayer

Holy and Almighty Father, thank you for helping me see the very clear and simple truth of my need to obey your word and, through your Spirit, please give me the strength to obey it. Forgive me for getting so wrapped up in the nuances of religious discussion that I forget the profound simplicity of obeying your truth from my heart. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Spurgeon AM Devo for Jun. 24th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"It is fondly imagined by some that it must have involved very special privileges to have been the mother of our Lord, because they supposed that she....."
Luke 11:28
Devo: Today's Verse
"He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.""
Hear and Obey.
Illustration of Luke 11:28
Inspirational illustration of Luke 11:28 -- He [Jesus] replied, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'
Last Glimpse?
Article by Phil Ware
What does this last glimpse of Mary teach us about Jesus and discipleship? Phil Ware finishes his series on the Windows to Wonder, on Mary the mother of Jesus, the Messiah, the Lord, and Savior, and reminds us that we can all be part of Jesus' forever family.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 11:27-28 NLT — "God bless your mother — the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!" —— "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, July 28, 2023

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'God's Reconciliation' (Ro. 11:33-36)
"Dear Father, How great your mercy is! How deep your riches and wisdom and knowledge are! How unsearchable are your judgments! How inscrutable your..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Who Else?' (Is. 40:12)
"[To whom can you compare God?] Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"I have learned that what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!