As we continue with the Gospel readings from Luke in the Lectionary of the Book of Common Prayer, we see that word of Jesus and the miracles that had been performed had spread. Jesus had only recently started His ministry, but news spread of the people that had been healed. The paralyzed were now walking, demons had been cast out of the afflicted and people were coming to see for themselves (vs. 17-19). For many people, they came to see Jesus to receive a miracle for themselves, or at least witness one. Perhaps they needed healing from some ailment, or they wanted to see something spectacular happen. Others thought that Jesus would bring them good fortune. Some of them thought He was something like a magician, and that all they needed to do was to just touch Him and they would receive a miracle, like some lucky charm. These people might not have cared about the teachings that Jesus gave, and possibly were not even listening. Then there were those who did seek Jesus out for the message He taught about God, not just for what they could get for themselves.
What brings people to Jesus today? There are some who come to Him for healing, either for themselves or a loved one. Others for a financial breakthrough when they are in need. Whatever draws them to Jesus, my prayer is that they will also open their ears to hear His message of salvation. Whatever initially brings someone to Jesus is good, if it ends up bringing another soul to salvation.
As Luke continues his narrative, we see Jesus giving an abbreviated version of the Beatitudes that were related more in full in Matthew 5. Since there were no television, radio, or any other modern media at this time, Jesus quite possibly told some of His messages and teachings more than once to different audiences, to new crowds (vs. 20-23). These verses describe what it means to be a Christ-follower. As Christians these should be a standard of conduct for us. As we look at these verses, it is easy to see how these values contrast with that of the world. The world tells us to seek to become rich. TV and magazines entice us with displays of tempting foods. The world urges us to be popular.
As believers and followers of Jesus, we shouldn’t spend our time and effort seeking worldly wealth and comfort. Jesus left His throne in heaven to come to earth to bring salvation to mankind. While on earth He had no wealth. If we give up seeking after wealth, and instead seek after His kingdom, God promises that we will be blessed. If we have a hunger and thirst for the lost, we will be blessed. Though no one should actively seek out persecution, however when persecution comes for Jesus’s sake we will receive God’s blessings, as well.
Those who seek fulfillment only through worldly riches, that’s the only reward that they will get (vs. 24-26). Worldly riches do not last. How many people have lost their fortune in a stock market crash or in a costly divorce? Natural disasters can come and wipe out everything we have in an instant. No one can take their wealth with them after death! Jesus is warning us not to put our hearts on these things, but instead in what will last for eternity.
There were many people who were false prophets in Old Testament days (vs. 26). They only gave messages that the people wanted hear, such as prosperity and peace. There are plenty of false prophets today, just like them. Just because one likes to hear those messages doesn’t mean they are true. God does not bless human flattery, nor the words of those who like to tickle our ears with “good news”. Jesus warns us not to chase after the crowd’s praise, but instead to seek out God’s truth.
In closing, we can see through this passage that no matter what reasons have brought us to Jesus, let His love for us bring us to salvation through His shed Blood. Also, we should never seek comfort in this life at the expense of our eternal life!
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