27 As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Section Overview
This conversation with the woman seems out of place in a section addressing controversy with opponents. But it actually fits nicely. The woman sentimentally blesses the mother who bore and nursed Jesus, but blessing belongs to those who hear and keep God’s Word. This is the decisive issue for Jesus’ opponents and for all people everywhere.
Section Outline
IV. Galilee to Jerusalem: Discipleship (9:51–19:27)
A. The Journey Begins (9:51–13:21) . . .
3. Controversy with Opponents (11:14–54) . . .
b. Blessing for Those Hearing and Doing God’s Word (11:27–28)
Response
Sentimentality can be confused with true obedience. A warm family life, sharing holiday traditions, and even attending church and singing songs that bring back wonderful memories are not the same thing as truly hearing and obeying the Lord’s Word. We are reminded that the Lord calls upon us to be wholly his.