Grow Through The Gospels - Luke 6

Read: Luke 6

Luke 6: 20-22 “Looking at his disciples, he said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil,  because of the Son of Man.’”

Think

“And they all lived happily ever after.” We all love stories with a happy ending. We read them to our children and grandchildren. But as grown-ups, we know that such stories are not true. Living happily ever after only happens in the realm of make-believe. Or does it? In his most well-known teaching, “The Beatitudes,” Jesus presents the qualities that make for a happy or blessed life. To be blessed is to have inner joy and happiness because God’s favor is upon you. Jesus's teachings show that to live happily ever after, we must live decisively for God and reject the world’s values.

Jesus draws a clear line between two ways of living: following God's kingdom or following the world. He blesses those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and despised for his sake, promising them future rewards. This doesn’t mean that being financially poor or physically hungry is inherently virtuous, nor that being rich or well-fed is inherently sinful. Instead, Jesus emphasizes our need for God and relying on him rather than ourselves.

To be "poor" in God's perspective means to recognize our complete dependence on Him. It's an acknowledgment that we cannot save ourselves and need his grace. Those who are "poor in spirit" understand their own limitations and the depth of their need for God’s mercy. To be "hungry" means to have a deep yearning for righteousness and a desire to live according to God's will. It’s a hunger for spiritual fulfillment, knowing that only God can truly satisfy our deepest longings. Being "sorrowful" or mourning refers to grieving over our sin and the brokenness of the world. It’s a godly sorrow that leads to repentance and a heartfelt desire for God's comfort and restoration.

To live happily ever after, we must adopt an eternal perspective. Jesus’ teachings only make sense when viewed considering eternity. Believers know our hope is in eternity with God, not in the fleeting pleasures of this world. As Charles Simeon said, “He alone is happy, who is happy for eternity.” The believer’s focus should be on the life to come, not on the temporary comforts of this life. Jesus often taught that the last shall be first, and the first last, reminding us that true happiness comes from living for him.

Lastly, to live happily ever after, we must depend on God. The poor, hungry, sorrowful, and rejected people Jesus refers to have abandoned the world’s support system and cast themselves totally on God. The world’s rich and well-fed trust in their own accomplishments, but independence from God leads to destruction. Followers of Jesus trust him for spiritual sustenance, joy, approval, and salvation. We live to hear from him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21). So, if you want to live happily ever after, live decisively for God’s kingdom and reject the world’s values.

Apply

Are you cultivating spiritual hunger? How do you develop a deeper longing for Jesus and his righteousness? Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage spiritual growth and development. Join a bible study class, connect group, or serve team today.

Pray

Lord, I recognize my deep need for your grace and mercy. I confess that I am nothing without you. Help to seek you more every day through prayer and your Word. Give me a heart that mourns over sin and the brokenness of this world. Teach me to trust you completely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.