He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28

This single verse carries profound significance. Jesus spoke to an assembly, declaring: “Blessed are those who listen to God’s word and follow it.”

How To Be Blessed.

Describing a blessed person can evoke a myriad of ideas, thoughts, and individuals. Our definitions of blessings vary widely, influenced by our age, social and cultural backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, and life priorities. Consider how Jesus might respond to this inquiry. His perspective would likely offer profound insights into the nature of blessings in the context of God’s kingdom.

Imagine a woman, absorbed in Jesus’s teachings, contemplating the blessedness of His mother. Perhaps she envisioned herself in Mary’s place, feeling an overwhelming sense of honor. Overcome with emotion, she exclaimed for all to hear, “Blessed is the mother who bore you and nursed you!” (Luke 11:27 CEV). The crowd’s reaction to her outburst is uncertain. Some may have nodded in agreement, others possibly pondered their own sources of happiness, while some might have been irked by the interruption.

Jesus’s response was unexpected. He acknowledged the truth in the woman’s words, yet he introduced a pivotal ‘but’ shifting the focus entirely. He declared, “Indeed, but even more blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” This statement redefines blessedness, emphasizing the importance of heeding and following divine guidance.

“The safe place lies in obedience to God’s Word, singleness of heart and holy vigilance.” A.B. Simpson