Knowing The Word in Luke 11:27-28

True Blessedness

11:27 As Jesus said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Comments

Jesus is not denouncing the woman’s statement but pointing to the greater significance for those who hear his words, believe in him, and follow him. In other words, it is not a physical relationship with Jesus that is important but a spiritual relationship with him for those who have access to and respond to Scripture.

Applications

These should be encouraging words to us. Yes, Mary the mother of Jesus was blessed, but Jesus will only have one mother. Rather, we should look to our own life with Jesus and the access we have to him through the word of God.

Prayer

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 236)