THE BLESSED

Text: Luke 6:12-26

The blessed are the poor because theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The blessed are the hungry; they shall be filled. The blessed are those that weep and mourn for they shall laugh (vs 21).  On the other hand, the cursed are the rich for they have received their consolation. Cursed are those that are full for they shall hunger. Cursed are those that laugh now for they shall mourn and weep (vs 24-25). This is absolutely ironical, isn't it? Nonetheless, it is the truth coming from Jesus himself who is from eternity past and has spanned eternity to come. It may also sound incredible but Rev 7:14-17 and Isaiah 65:10-14, tell us that it is a reality.

Jesus in the beginning verse 12 set an example for all of his disciples. He had a job to do, so he spent all night praying. This is our standard. A christian cannot wish things to come to pass, rather we pray them into existence. Physical battles are worn spiritually as we spend time on our knees. We don't take serious decisions or embark on important projects without spending sleepless nights in prayer. If this pattern is not found in you yet as a disciple of Christ, then something is lacking. After selecting the apostles, it was time to teach them the cost of discipleship. 

We must understand that this sermon was directed to the disciples of Jesus ( see vs 20). Out of all the people that gathered, Jesus fixed his eyes on the disciples, established eye contact with them and then taught them. His teaching indeed seemed upside down. It was the opposite of what they had been hearing, which is that the rich are blessed while the poor are cursed. However, was Jesus actually talking about the literally poor and the literally rich? No. He was telling the disciples the cost of the  lifestyle they have made by accepting to go with him. 

This lifestyle entails forsaking everything for the sake of Christ. It talks about seeing Christ and the gospel message of the kingdom as the precious pearl of Matthew 13:44-46. This pear or treasure when found supersedes everything else that the founder sells all he has to acquire it. Just like Jesus we give up our title, glory and splendour to become a servant of God. See James 5:1-6 to know why the rich are cursed. The rich here refers to anyone who loves money and would do anything to get it.  Disciples of Jesus are not called to live a gloomy, miserable unhappy life, they are actually called into an eternal life of blessedness.