When Jesus said these things, a woman with the people there began to speak. She said to Jesus, "What a great blessing God gave your mother, because she gave birth to you and fed you." But Jesus said, "The people that hear the teaching of God and obey it—they are the people that are truly happy!"
— 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 that 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 uses both criticism and praise to be an opportunity to lead people to greater truth. The real blessing doesn't have to do with the 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
- Luke 8:19-20
- Matthew 7:21
- 1 Samuel 15:22-23
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
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.
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