In this world, the two most beautiful words in any language are “Jesus Christ” because he is the source of true blessing. Without Jesus, there is no true blessing. What seems like a blessing this world offers is merely fool’s gold. In today’s text, we see a woman raising her voice saying that the womb that bore and breasts that nurses Jesus is blessed (v 27). We see Catholicism praising Mary even today. But Jesus said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (v 28).
Religious men attempt to find blessing in this world through means other than through faith in Jesus Christ. Some of the ways they seek blessing or success is through moralism or legalism. Moralism deceives men because they seemingly keep the law but it is dangerous as it produces hypocrisy. They become hypocrites as they externally pursue good but their hearts are still sinful. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, moralistic people are actors and pretenders of being good. Only through Jesus Christ, they are made righteous and find true blessing.
The word “blessed” means to be happy or blissful in the original Greek. This blessing possesses an internal joy that goes beyond any circumstance. However, Scripture describes blessing as true joy in all circumstances because they have Jesus Christ. Another way to understand blessing biblically does not only constitute the emotional aspect but to realize God’s supernatural favor. It is more than how you feel. It is more about how God knows what we need most and that he is the provider. Moreover, God gives assurance and security that he is able to handle anything pertaining to faith and life for the Christian. Ultimately, God blesses the believer’s heart with salvation and ongoing sanctification by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus describes the truly blessed in the Beatitudes from his Sermon on the Mount. He says, “Blessed are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the lowly, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:4-5). This was in stark contrast to what the Jewish customary thinking was that is revealed by the woman in the crowd who attributed Jesus’ success to his mother nurturing and raising him.
This Jewish thinking also implies cultural Christianity today. A mark of a cultural Christian is a continual struggle of their faith year after year because the Holy Spirit is absent. They are also dependent heavily on circumstances rather than leaning on the word of God. They might use the name “Jesus” but what is lacking is true heart transformation. In the United States, more than 75% of evangelical Christians deny Jesus is Lord and more than 85% think that all humans are inherently good.
True success and blessing are manifested in the few words of Jesus in today’s text: “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (v 28). From God’s perspective, this is a true blessing. Beyond obedience to God’s word, there is no true blessing or success. What Jesus is also implying here is that we can be blessed as he is as we put our faith in him and live a life of obedience.
Hearing the word of God to understand our sin and depraved state before God is the start of blessing as the Spirit awakens the soul. Hearing also entails seeking the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness and ongoing desire to be saved. Ultimately, hearing the word of God is understanding the need for the gospel of Jesus Christ. True blessing only comes from the gospel as it produces repentance and faith in Jesus.
Jesus is the only answer to man’s problem of sin and death. There is only forgiveness and redemption in Jesus Christ! Only in him is there reconciliation with God. Once reconciled, obedience is possible. In this order, true blessing and success are experienced.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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