Luke 6:17-23

“Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.’” vss. 20-21a

Luke’s Sermon on the Plain parallels Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount and contains similar teachings. Together these two sections of the gospels contain the core of Jesus’ message to his disciples and to the crowds who came to hear him. If we really want to know what Jesus believed and taught there is no better place to start. Even though many in the crowds had come because of Jesus’ reputation as a healer, they were also interested in what he had to say. His touch provided healing for physical problems but his words would feed their souls and shape the trajectory of their lives. He begins with offering a series of blessings that address the poverty of their situation. Even though they were poor and hungry they had a place in the kingdom of God and they would be fed. And on top of that, their tears would be turned to laughter. That’s such a positive and hopeful message, and it must have been compelling for those who heard it. And that’s probably why the earliest devotees of Jesus were the poor and needy. For those who are hungry there’s still no greater gift than to be lifted out of poverty.

Thought for the Day: If I were poor what would I do?