“Keep the Word”


BIBLE READING: Luke 7-11
DISCUSSION                                                                          
No matter what Jesus did, He made an impact on people.  It didn’t matter if you were for Him or against Him, you were forced to respond in some manner.  Some thought He was a demon, some thought a false teacher, while others accepted Him for who He really was, the Son of God.   On one occasion, in Luke 11, there was a woman who shouts out among the crowd, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breast at which you nursed.” Her comments were meant to be considered a compliment to Mary and how God had chosen her among all women to bear the Son of God.  I am sure it must have been a blessing for Mary, after all, she has a very unique perspective of God’s plan.  Just try to imagine what it must have been like to raise the Son of God and to care for Him while He was a child.  That must have been a true blessing.  However, Jesus responds to her statement in an unexpected way.  One might have expected Jesus to agree with her comment or maybe even say something about His mother. Yet, He responds with this, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” (Luke 11.27). Although it would have been considered an amazing blessing to be Mary and experience what she did, Jesus said the greater blessing comes for those who hear the Word and keep it.  As much of a blessing it was for Mary, the blessing is greater for us today. Today we get to see the complete unfolding of Gods plan and how it impacts, not just Mary, but the entire world.  As much as we would love to have the blessed experience of Mary, Mary may have just been somewhat jealous of ours. 

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