Luke 11 - 12

Calling From The Crowd

Note: This is for Friday's reading.

Today's portion is large and covers a wide variety of subjects, some of which I have written about when reading Matthew and Mark. There are two incidents unique to Luke's Gospel in this reading, where a woman (11:27) and then a man (12:13) call out to Jesus while He is preaching.

Jesus had just responded to the accusation that He casts out demons by the power of Satan (11:14-15).  In his response, the Lord demonstrates the illogical thinking of this assertion. Why would Satan cast himself out of someone? Why, when he already occupies a person to destroy them, would he allow another person to use Satan's spirit to remove Satan's spirit? This is ludicrous.  In fact, Satan is always looking to possess those whom he can possess.  Even when cast out, a spirit will return to the person, and if the Holy Spirit has not taken over the person's life, Satan will gather seven spirits worse than the first one and reoccupy the person. (11:26).

Jesus had completed this thought when a woman cries out from the crowd, "God bless your mother - the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!" (v.27).  This seems like a curious comment considering it is not related to demon possession.  Perhaps the woman was elated to hear Jesus. Perhaps she was impressed with His wisdom.  The Bible does not explain her motivation, but I believe her comments were inappropriate. Yes, the mother who bore him was blessed, but He, Jesus, delivered a message (The Kingdom of God is with you) which is more blessed. His reply did not deny the blessedness of Mary, however it did correct her statement.  In verse 28 He states, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice." So while Mary was blessed for birthing Jesus into the world, ALL can be blessed by hearing His message, i.e. allowing His message to be "birthed" in their heart.

The second incident occurs after Jesus teaches the multitudes to not worry about those who will persecute them for following Him (12:1-12).  He points out that those "who acknowledge me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will acknowledge in the presence of God's angels." (v. 8). This is a continuation of the theme of being blessed to hear His message.  

In verse 13 a man calls out, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me." Once again, I think the comment was inappropriate.  His motivation is obvious, perhaps he thought Jesus would use His power to help him financially.  Jesus responds in a manner that corrects the man's attitude. "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that? ... Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own."  As one who owns very little, I can appreciate the Lord's response.

Jesus message was a spiritual message to get people to follow him for their spiritual welfare. This was contrary to the legalistic, human-oriented message the Pharisees and religious leaders taught in that day.  The Lord's message still applies today: We must hear and act on His teachings. And we must value Him above all.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.