Daily Devotions
Luke
Luke 11:14-36 "MANY CAREFUL LISTENERS"
Day 148 – Luke 11
Text: Luke 11:14-36
MANY CAREFUL LISTENERS
The multitudes marveled when Jesus cast out a demon from a man who was a mute (Luke 11:14). The scribes from Jerusalem who had mingled with the multitude sought to sway the inclinations of the multitudes away from Jesus. They planted a mischievous thought into the minds of the multitudes. They suggested that Jesus was in league with Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons! This allegation was so serious that it could not go unanswered!
Jesus went on to give a powerful defence of His ministry! He also gave deep and important theological insights into the world of spirits! Obviously, Jesus had to warn His opponents that they must not think that they could resort to such low-down tactics, and get away with them!
There must have been many careful listeners to the defence that Jesus mounted. Usually in deep theological discussions, only the men were involved or included! This conversation must have been so intriguing that…
“A certain woman from the crowd raised her voice
and said to Him,
‘Blessed is the womb that bore You,
and the breasts which nursed You!”
Luke 11:27
AN INACURATE OBSERVATION AND AN INADEQUATE RESPONSE The woman must have listened very carefully to what the scribes had said against Jesus. She must also have paid close attention to what Jesus gave as His reply to their allegations.
Her conclusion was in favour of Jesus. She was obviously impressed that Jesus had won this debate. She must have been impressed with His insight and His wisdom. She must have been glad for the deep spiritual truths that Jesus presented as His theological defence!
She then offered an observation as her response! She gave great credit to the mother of Jesus, for having brought up such a fine and outstanding Son! Her response may be said to be “typical” of a woman who would have been very proud indeed, had that Person been her son. If her son had been Jesus, would have thought that she did a grand job of bringing up her son! Her observation arose from her a mother’s heart probably. She did the “normal thing” and spoke her mind. The mother of Jesus must be a very greatly blessed person for having done such a fine job in bringing Jesus up so well!
She may have meant well, but her observation was inaccurate, and her response inadequate as well! Thus Jesus had to correct her, kindly but firmly! Jesus did not deny the role of His mother, however what He became, what He taught- and the Person that He was- cannot be attributed to His mother! That would be an inaccurate observation. It was of course the work of the Spirit of God in the life of Jesus that accounted for His depth of life and ministry!
“MORE THAN THAT, BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND KEEP IT” Luke 11:28
Since the woman brought up the subject of the word “blessing,” Jesus spoke on it. Everyone desires to be blessed by God. However, the blessing of God is not limited to the mother of Jesus! Yes, she was blessed indeed because she was the special chosen vessel to give birth to Jesus. However, the blessings of God are extended to many others as well!
The multitudes could also be greatly blessed by God if…
1. They really heard the Word of God… attentively!
a) In this particular context, it would mean that they have to reject what the scribes of Jerusalem had alleged
b) They would have to conclude that they were very wrong in their observations about Jesus
c) They would have to heed the words of warning of the Lord Jesus concerning the powerful influence of evil spirits
d) They would have turned to Jesus in faith!
2. They really kept the Word taught to them…
a) The words of Jesus would be treasured
b) The words of wisdom would enlighten their minds
c) The truth would dispel any wrong ideas that they might have concerning Jesus
d) They would begin to consider taking a firm stand and becoming His Disciples
THE LOSS OF INTENDED BLESSINGS
Many intended blessings of God are often “lost.” Here’s how the intended blessings can get lost:-
1. When people remain passive, like the multitudes, even though a heated debate may be going on! Luke did not record any response from the multitudes, except one… the words of a woman!
2. When people remain unconvinced, like the scribes of the Pharisees. They were so set against Jesus, they were blind to the truth that Jesus taught.
3. When people end up with the wrong conclusions, because they see things too subjectively, like the woman in the multitudes. Hers was at best “subjective truth.”
4. When theological topics appear too deep for “normal consumption”- as in this case. The thoughts of the Lord Jesus are indeed very deep and would require a lot of analysis and meditation. A superficial understanding of the Word of God will not benefit a person very much.
5. When the Word of God is not properly applied to one’s life- there would certainly be a loss of blessings!
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD?
Deep truths are contained in God’s Word. Each day, we dig deeply into the Word of God. But what are you doing with your knowledge of God’s Word? It is vital that we check how God’s Word is affecting our lives!