A Revolutionary Perspective On Life (Luke 6:20-26)

1.     The beginning of a sermon that must be lived rather than merely heard

-Those described in 20-23 are kingdom citizens and find their lives described in 27-49. They are very different yet very blessed (1 Corinthians 2:9)

-Those described in 24-26 are too enamored with this life to care for their souls. “Woe to you” is the only appropriate way to address them (Romans 2:8)

2.     The heart and reward of the kingdom citizen (20-23)

-The poor (in spirit, Mt 5:3) receive the kingdom of God. Lacking the spirit of this world, these “poor in spirit” recognize their spiritual destitution apart from Christ. God will supply their need (Luke 4:18).

-Those who hunger now (for righteousness, Mt 5:6) will be satisfied. Recognizing their own inability to satisfy this hunger, these become dependent upon God to provide their spiritual sustenance (Psalm 107:9).

-Those who weep now will laugh. The kingdom citizen recognizes the guilt of personal sins (Psalm 38:4-6, 18). Mercy and forgiveness turn tears to laughter (Revelation 21:4)

-Those hated, excluded, reviled and spurned as evil on account of Jesus have a great reward in Heaven. The wicked have always persecuted the righteous (Hebrews 12:3; Acts 5:41). What a privilege to share in Christ’s suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)!

3.     The heart and reward of the worldly (24-26)

-The rich now have already received their consolation. They wanted a comfortable life and worldly notoriety? They got it. Pity and pray for them (Luke 12:16-21)

-The full now will face hunger. Their satisfaction will be fleeting and their hunger will always return. They reject that which provides true satisfaction (John 6:35).

-Those who laugh now will mourn and weep. This is arrogant laughter filled with condescension and self-satisfaction. A complete lack of humility (James 4:9-10).

-Those popular among the wicked are in bad company. These seek man’s approval rather than God’s (John 12:42-43; 15:18-19)