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

  • Luke 8:19-21
  • Matthew 7:21
  • 1 Samuel 15:22-23

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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."

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.

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