Luke 6:20-26
When needy people were turning to Jesus, He turned to His disciples to teach them the nature of true
blessings. He said blessed people know poverty, hunger, weeping [brokenness], and intense opposition
[hatred, insults & scorn] because of Christ. His view of blessing is at odds with what we are often
taught, even exhorting them to… “Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great
in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.” (23). On the other hand, He
pronounces a series of woes upon those who, in this life, are rich, well fed, happy and receive this
world’s approval and applause. Why? “…for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same
way.” (26b). Let us remember Jesus warning in John's gospel: “These things I have spoken to you, so
that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome
the world.” (John 16:33)