Luke 6:20
Verse
Context
The Beatitudes
19The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all. 20Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
Jackie Pullinger
John Murray
William MacDonald
Stephen Kaung
From the Pulpit & Classic SermonsLeonard RavenhillSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Blessed be ye poor - See the sermon on the mount paraphrased and explained, Matthew 5 (note), Matthew 6 (note), Matthew 7 (note),
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In the Sermon on the Mount the benediction is pronounced upon the "poor in spirit" and those who "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Mat 5:3, Mat 5:6). Here it is simply on the "poor" and the "hungry now." In this form of the discourse, then, our Lord seems to have had in view "the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God hath promised to them that love Him," as these very beatitudes are paraphrased by James (Jam 2:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blessed are ye that hunger now,.... Not only suffer hunger and thirst in a literal sense, in this present life, but who have hunger and thirst in a spiritual sense, after righteousness and eternal life, as in Mat 5:6 where it is also said as here: for ye shall be filled: with righteousness and life; See Gill on Mat 5:6. blessed are ye that weep now; under afflictions and pressures of life, and mourn for sin, their own, and others: for ye shall laugh; be filled with spiritual joy and pleasure, and be comforted with the consolations of the Spirit; See Gill on Mat 5:4.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here begins a practical discourse of Christ, which is continued to the end of the chapter, most of which is found in the sermon upon the mount, Mt. 5 and 7. Some think that this was preached at some other time and place, and there are other instances of Christ's preaching the same things, or to the same purport, at different times; but it is probable that this is only the evangelist's abridgment of that sermon, and perhaps that in Matthew too is but an abridgment; the beginning and the conclusion are much the same; and the story of the cure of the centurion's servant follows presently upon it, both there and here, but it is not material. In these verses, we have, I. Blessings pronounced upon suffering saints, as happy people, though the world pities them (Luk 6:20): He lifted up his eyes upon his disciples, not only the twelve, but the whole company of them (Luk 6:17), and directed his discourse to them; for, when he had healed the sick in the plain, he went up again to the mountain, to preach. There he sat, as one having authority; thither they come to him (Mat 5:1), and to them he directed his discourse, to them he applied it, and taught them to apply it to themselves. When he had laid it down for a truth, Blessed are the poor in spirit, he added, Blessed are ye poor. All believers, that take the precepts of the gospel to themselves, and live by them may take the promises of the gospel to themselves and live upon them. And the application, as it is here, seems especially designed to encourage the disciples, with reference to the hardships and difficulties they were likely to meet with, in following Christ. 1. "You are poor, you have left all to follow me, are content to live upon alms with me, are never to expect any worldly preferment in my service. You must work hard, and fare hard, as poor people do; but you are blessed in your poverty, it shall be no prejudice at all to your happiness; nay, you are blessed for it, all your losses shall be abundantly made up to you, for yours is the kingdom of God, all the comforts and graces of his kingdom here and all the glories and joys of his kingdom hereafter; yours it shall be, nay, yours it is." Christ's poor are rich in faith, Jam 2:5. 2. "You hunger now (Luk 6:21), you are not fed to the full as others are, you often rise hungry, your commons are so short; or you are so intent upon your work that you have not time to eat bread, you are glad of a few ears of corn for a meal's meat; thus you hunger now in this world, but in the other world you shall be filled, shall hunger no more, nor thirst any more." 3. "You weep now, are often in tears, tears of repentance, tears of sympathy; you are of them that mourn in Zion. But blessed are you; your present sorrows are no prejudices to your future joy, but preparatories for it: You shall laugh. You have triumphs in reserve; you are but sowing in tears, and shall shortly reap in joy," Psa 126:5, Psa 126:6. They that now sorrow after a godly sort are treasuring up comforts for themselves, or, rather, God is treasuring up comforts for them; and the day is coming when their mouth shall be filled with laughing and their lips with rejoicing, Job 8:21. 4. "You now undergo the world's ill will. You must expect all the base treatment that a spiteful world can give you for Christ's sake, because you serve him and his interests; you must expect that wicked men will hate you, because your doctrine and life convict and condemn them; and those that have church-power in their hands will separate you, will force you to separate yourselves, and then excommunicate you for so doing, and lay you under the most ignominious censures. They will pronounce anathemas against you, as scandalous and incorrigible offenders. They will do this with all possible gravity and solemnity, and pomp and pageantry of appeals to Heaven, to make the world believe, and almost you yourselves too, that it is ratified in heaven. Thus will they endeavour to make you odious to others and a terror to yourselves." This is supposed to be the proper notion of aphorisōsin humas - they shall cast you out of their synagogues. "And they that have not this power will not fail to show their malice, to the utmost of their power; for they will reproach you, will charge you with the blackest crimes, which you are perfectly innocent of, will fasten upon you the blackest characters, which you do not deserve; they will cast out your name as evil, your name as Christians, as apostles; they will do all they can to render these names odious." This is the application of the eighth beatitude, Mat 5:10-12. "Such usage as this seems hard; but blessed are you when you are so used. It is so far from depriving you of your happiness that it will greatly add to it. It is an honour to you, as it is to a brave hero to be employed in the wars, in the service of his prince; and therefore rejoice you in that day, and leap for joy, Luk 6:23. Do not only bear it, but triumph in it. For," (1.) "You are hereby highly dignified in the kingdom of grace, for you are treated as the prophets were before you, and therefore not only need not be ashamed of it, but may justly rejoice in it, for it will be an evidence for you that you walk in the same spirit, and in the same steps, are engaged in the same cause, and employed in the same service, with them." (2.) "You will for this be abundantly recompensed in the kingdom of glory; not only your services for Christ, but your sufferings will come into the account: Your reward is great in heaven. Venture upon your sufferings, in a full belief that the glory of heaven will abundantly countervail all these hardships; so that, though you may be losers for Christ, you shall not be losers by him in the end." II. Woes denounced against prospering sinners as miserable people, though the world envies them. These we had not in Matthew. It should seem, the best exposition of these woes, compared with the foregoing blessings, is the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus had the blessedness of those that are poor, and hunger, and weep, now, for in Abraham's bosom all the promises made to them who did so were made good to him; but the rich man had the woes that follow here, as he had the character of those on whom these woes are entailed. 1. Here is a woe to them that are rich, that is, that trust in riches, that have abundance of this world's wealth, and, instead of serving God with it, serve their lusts with it; woe to them, for they have received their consolation, that which they placed their happiness in, and were willing to take up with for a portion, Luk 6:24. They in their life-time received their good things, which, in their account, were the best things, and all the good things they are ever likely to receive from God. "You that are rich are in temptation to set your hearts upon a smiling world, and to say, Soul, take thine ease in the embraces of it, This is my rest for ever, here will I dwell; and then woe unto you." (1.) It is the folly of carnal worldlings that they make the things of this world their consolation, which were intended only for their convenience. They please themselves with them, pride themselves in them, and make them their heaven upon earth; and to them the consolations of God are small, and of no account. (2.) It is their misery that they are put off with them as their consolation. Let them know it, to their terror, when they are parted from these things, there is an end of all their comfort, a final end of it, and nothing remains to them but everlasting misery and torment. 2. Here is a woe to them that are full (Luk 6:25), that are fed to the full, and have more than heart could wish (Psa 73:7), that have their bellies filled with the hid treasures of this world (Psa 17:14), that, when they have abundance of these, are full, and think they have enough, they need no more, they desire no more, Rev 3:17. Now ye are full, now ye are rich, Co1 4:8. They are full of themselves, without God and Christ. Woe to such, for they shall hunger, they shall shortly be stripped and emptied of all the things they are so proud of; and, when they shall have left behind them in the world all those things which are their fulness, they shall carry away with them such appetites and desires as the world they remove to will afford them no gratifications of; for all the delights of sense, which they are now so full of, will in hell be denied, and in heaven superseded. 3. Here is a woe to them that laugh now, that have always a disposition to be merry, and always something to make merry with; that know no other joy than that which is carnal and sensual, and know no other use of this world's good than purely to indulge that carnal sensual joy that banishes sorrow, even godly sorrow, from their minds, and are always entertaining themselves with the laughter of the fool. Woe unto such, for it is but now, for a little time, that they laugh; they shall mourn and weep shortly, shall mourn and weep eternally, in a world where there is nothing but weeping and wailing, endless, easeless, and remediless sorrow. 4. Here is a woe to them whom all men speak well of, that is, who make it their great and only care to gain the praise and applause of men, who value themselves upon that more than upon the favour of God and his acceptance (Luk 6:26): "Woe unto you; that is, it would be a bad sign that you were not faithful to your trust, and to the souls of men, if you preached so as that nobody would be disgusted; for your business is to tell people of their faults, and, if you do that as you ought, you will get that ill will which never speaks well. The false prophets indeed, that flattered your father in their wicked ways, that prophesied smooth things to them, were caressed and spoken well of; and, if you be in like manner cried up, you will be justly suspected to deal deceitfully as they did." We should desire to have the approbation of those that are wise and good, and not be indifferent to what people say of us; but, as we should despise the reproaches, so we should also despise the praises, of the fools in Israel.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:20-23 God blesses those who acknowledge their inadequacy and weakness and turn to God for strength. The value system of God’s Kingdom is radically different from the world’s value system, in which power and strength represent success. 6:20-21 poor . . . hungry: Cp. Matt 5:3, 6. This statement likely included physical and spiritual poverty. Poverty and suffering tend to make us more dependent on God. The Old Testament includes many promises that God will feed and comfort his people (Pss 22:26; 107:36-41; 126:1-6; Isa 49:10-13; 51:3; 65:13).
Luke 6:20
The Beatitudes
19The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all. 20Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Beatitudes - Part 3
By Leonard Ravenhill3.1K1:05:37BeatitudesMAT 5:1LUK 6:20LUK 15:17LUK 15:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses the incongruity of the gospel in the world. He uses the analogy of ducks hatching eggs with four legs and calves with three heads to illustrate how the church of Jesus Christ is seen as ludicrously incongruous in the modern world. He contrasts the teachings of Jesus, such as "blessed are the meek" and "blessed are the poor in spirit," with the prevailing mindset of survival of the fittest and self-assertion. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our unworthiness before God and the need for humility in approaching Him.
Useful for the Master - Part 4
By Jackie Pullinger1.7K09:10PSA 41:1PRO 19:17PRO 22:9ISA 58:10MAT 25:40LUK 6:20LUK 14:131CO 1:26GAL 2:10JAS 2:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor as a fundamental requirement for all Christians, highlighting God's heart for the marginalized and the need to reach out to them in various capacities. It challenges believers to consider their role in uplifting others and bringing about the Kingdom of God, stressing that ministry to the poor is not optional but a core aspect of following Jesus.
Peter's Rebuke of Christ
By John Murray1.4K50:56SinLUK 6:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the contrasting reactions of Peter and Jesus to different situations. He emphasizes the importance of responding in truth and faithfulness, as Jesus did. The preacher highlights the contradiction in Peter's actions, between his noble confession of Jesus as the Son of God and his presumptuous rebuke of Jesus. Jesus responds with a devastating reprimand, showing the power and authority he possesses. The sermon concludes by urging the listeners to recognize the disclosure of God's will and to be transformed by renewing their minds.
Question and Answer Session Answers From the Word
By William MacDonald1.3K48:07Question AnswerMAT 6:33LUK 6:20LUK 14:33ROM 8:131CO 16:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians using their talents and gifts to serve God and spread His truth. He mentions the need for believers to be actively involved in society and to be a positive influence in areas such as politics, war, art, and culture. The speaker references Matthew 5, where Jesus teaches that believers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He encourages Christians to live a balanced life and to be obedient to God's leading, while also being mindful of the practical responsibilities and challenges they face in society.
The Blessed of the Lord
By Stephen Kaung8782:00:00MAT 5:1LUK 6:20EPH 1:3In this sermon, the speaker shares personal stories of individuals who have experienced a transformation in their lives through their faith in Jesus. One man struggled with his own plans for success until he encountered the love of Christ and surrendered his life to Him. Another man, a tailor, faced a difficult situation where he was not paid for his work, but ultimately found a solution. The speaker also mentions the story of Daniel, a young man who remained faithful to God despite being taken captive in a foreign land. The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering our lives to Jesus and following Him as disciples, learning from His character as described in the Sermon on the Mount.
Another Gospel - David Wilkerson
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons86456:16RadioMAT 6:33LUK 6:201TI 6:51TI 6:10In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who was struggling with inner turmoil and couldn't find the words to express it. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a real encounter with Jesus and not being passive in one's faith. He also shares a powerful testimony of a man named Nikki who was delivered from a life of drugs and crime through his encounter with Jesus. The preacher concludes by urging believers to seek a genuine encounter with Jesus and warns against the dangers of passivity.
Poverty of Spirit #1
By Leonard Ravenhill591:02:32Christian LifePoverty of SpiritHumilityMAT 5:3LUK 6:20Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the concept of 'poverty of spirit' as a fundamental aspect of true Christianity, illustrating how Jesus exemplified this through His life and teachings. He contrasts the first Adam's failure in a perfect environment with the last Adam's triumph in a hostile world, highlighting that true character is revealed under pressure. Ravenhill challenges the audience to reflect on their own spiritual poverty and the importance of humility, stating that true riches come from a relationship with God rather than material wealth. He encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, which is rooted in humility and dependence on God, rather than seeking validation from the world. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of what it means to be 'poor in spirit' and how this leads to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Poverty of Spirit #2
By Leonard Ravenhill591:14:18Christian LifeSpiritual PovertyHumilityPSA 34:6ISA 57:15MAT 5:3MAT 6:33LUK 6:20ROM 12:22CO 12:9PHP 3:8JAS 4:101PE 5:5Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of being 'poor in spirit' as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. He reflects on the importance of humility and recognizing our spiritual poverty, which leads to a deeper reliance on God. Ravenhill contrasts the external kingdoms built on power and wealth with the eternal kingdom of Christ, founded on love and righteousness. He urges believers to embrace their need for God's grace and to cultivate a heart that seeks purity and humility, as these are essential for true discipleship. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of genuine faith that acknowledges our dependence on God and the transformative power of His love.
Overcomers - a Life of Dependance
By Phil Beach Jr.271:07:19OvercomersDependence On GodOvercoming through ChristLUK 6:20REV 2:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of utter dependence on Jesus Christ for spiritual maturity and overcoming life's challenges. He explains that true overcoming is not about personal achievements but about allowing Christ's life to manifest through us, highlighting the importance of recognizing our spiritual poverty and need for God. The sermon calls for a shift from a man-centered approach to a Christ-centered one, where believers acknowledge their inability to live the Christian life without the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Beach encourages the congregation to cultivate a heart of prayer and dependence, reflecting on the Beatitudes and the call to be overcomers through Christ's finished work.
Don't Be Blind to the Blessing
By David Wilkerson0Strength in WeaknessDivine BlessingsPSA 34:18ISA 41:10MAT 5:3MAT 7:11LUK 6:20ROM 8:282CO 12:9PHP 4:19JAS 1:51PE 5:7David Wilkerson emphasizes that just as a father delights in helping his children during difficult times, our Lord Jesus takes even greater joy in blessing His children when they call upon Him. He reassures those who feel inadequate or less talented that they are indeed blessed, as their weaknesses allow God's strength to shine through them. Wilkerson reminds us that Jesus values the humble and the needy, stating that true blessing comes from recognizing our dependence on Him. The message encourages believers to see their struggles as opportunities for divine grace and support.
The Gospel to the Poor
By K.P. Yohannan0Ministry to the PoorEvangelismPSA 34:6PRO 19:17ISA 61:1MAT 11:5MAT 25:40MRK 14:7LUK 4:18LUK 6:20JAS 2:51JN 3:17K.P. Yohannan shares his transformative experience of preaching the Gospel to the poor, emphasizing the divine empowerment he felt as he spoke words of love and hope. He reflects on his seven years of evangelistic work in North India, where his passion for the village people deepened, earning him the nickname 'Gandhi Man.' Yohannan highlights Jesus' focus on the poor and laboring class, illustrating that true outreach must come from those who genuinely love and understand the struggles of the marginalized. He asserts that the fight against hunger and poverty is fundamentally a spiritual battle, challenging secular views that separate social issues from spiritual truths.
Are You Among the 7000?
By David Wilkerson0God's RemnantHope in Christ1KI 19:18PSA 37:39ISA 40:31MAT 25:40LUK 6:20ROM 12:22CO 5:171TH 4:16HEB 10:23REV 21:4David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of being part of God's remnant, as illustrated by the 7000 faithful individuals mentioned in 1 Kings 19:18. He outlines three key characteristics of this remnant: a steadfast commitment to the Lord despite societal pressures, a compassionate identification with the poor, and a hopeful reliance on the promise of Christ's return. Wilkerson challenges believers to reflect on whether they embody these traits, encouraging them to remain focused on God and actively engage in evangelism and ministry. Ultimately, he reassures that those who are wholly devoted to God are recognized and cherished by Him.
The Cost of Being a Prophet
By Walter Beuttler0PSA 40:8MAT 19:16MAT 19:29LUK 6:20JHN 4:34Walter Beuttler preaches about the cost of being a prophet, emphasizing the need to surrender all earthly attachments and desires to follow God wholeheartedly. He reflects on the story of the rich young ruler who couldn't let go of his possessions to follow Jesus, highlighting the importance of prioritizing God above all else. Beuttler discusses the distinction between true prophets, who focus on God's will and ministry, and false prophets, who seek self-interest and recognition. He encourages aspiring prophets to embrace suffering, rejection, and selflessness in ministry, reminding them of the eternal rewards promised by God for those who forsake everything for His sake.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Blessed be ye poor - See the sermon on the mount paraphrased and explained, Matthew 5 (note), Matthew 6 (note), Matthew 7 (note),
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In the Sermon on the Mount the benediction is pronounced upon the "poor in spirit" and those who "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Mat 5:3, Mat 5:6). Here it is simply on the "poor" and the "hungry now." In this form of the discourse, then, our Lord seems to have had in view "the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God hath promised to them that love Him," as these very beatitudes are paraphrased by James (Jam 2:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Blessed are ye that hunger now,.... Not only suffer hunger and thirst in a literal sense, in this present life, but who have hunger and thirst in a spiritual sense, after righteousness and eternal life, as in Mat 5:6 where it is also said as here: for ye shall be filled: with righteousness and life; See Gill on Mat 5:6. blessed are ye that weep now; under afflictions and pressures of life, and mourn for sin, their own, and others: for ye shall laugh; be filled with spiritual joy and pleasure, and be comforted with the consolations of the Spirit; See Gill on Mat 5:4.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here begins a practical discourse of Christ, which is continued to the end of the chapter, most of which is found in the sermon upon the mount, Mt. 5 and 7. Some think that this was preached at some other time and place, and there are other instances of Christ's preaching the same things, or to the same purport, at different times; but it is probable that this is only the evangelist's abridgment of that sermon, and perhaps that in Matthew too is but an abridgment; the beginning and the conclusion are much the same; and the story of the cure of the centurion's servant follows presently upon it, both there and here, but it is not material. In these verses, we have, I. Blessings pronounced upon suffering saints, as happy people, though the world pities them (Luk 6:20): He lifted up his eyes upon his disciples, not only the twelve, but the whole company of them (Luk 6:17), and directed his discourse to them; for, when he had healed the sick in the plain, he went up again to the mountain, to preach. There he sat, as one having authority; thither they come to him (Mat 5:1), and to them he directed his discourse, to them he applied it, and taught them to apply it to themselves. When he had laid it down for a truth, Blessed are the poor in spirit, he added, Blessed are ye poor. All believers, that take the precepts of the gospel to themselves, and live by them may take the promises of the gospel to themselves and live upon them. And the application, as it is here, seems especially designed to encourage the disciples, with reference to the hardships and difficulties they were likely to meet with, in following Christ. 1. "You are poor, you have left all to follow me, are content to live upon alms with me, are never to expect any worldly preferment in my service. You must work hard, and fare hard, as poor people do; but you are blessed in your poverty, it shall be no prejudice at all to your happiness; nay, you are blessed for it, all your losses shall be abundantly made up to you, for yours is the kingdom of God, all the comforts and graces of his kingdom here and all the glories and joys of his kingdom hereafter; yours it shall be, nay, yours it is." Christ's poor are rich in faith, Jam 2:5. 2. "You hunger now (Luk 6:21), you are not fed to the full as others are, you often rise hungry, your commons are so short; or you are so intent upon your work that you have not time to eat bread, you are glad of a few ears of corn for a meal's meat; thus you hunger now in this world, but in the other world you shall be filled, shall hunger no more, nor thirst any more." 3. "You weep now, are often in tears, tears of repentance, tears of sympathy; you are of them that mourn in Zion. But blessed are you; your present sorrows are no prejudices to your future joy, but preparatories for it: You shall laugh. You have triumphs in reserve; you are but sowing in tears, and shall shortly reap in joy," Psa 126:5, Psa 126:6. They that now sorrow after a godly sort are treasuring up comforts for themselves, or, rather, God is treasuring up comforts for them; and the day is coming when their mouth shall be filled with laughing and their lips with rejoicing, Job 8:21. 4. "You now undergo the world's ill will. You must expect all the base treatment that a spiteful world can give you for Christ's sake, because you serve him and his interests; you must expect that wicked men will hate you, because your doctrine and life convict and condemn them; and those that have church-power in their hands will separate you, will force you to separate yourselves, and then excommunicate you for so doing, and lay you under the most ignominious censures. They will pronounce anathemas against you, as scandalous and incorrigible offenders. They will do this with all possible gravity and solemnity, and pomp and pageantry of appeals to Heaven, to make the world believe, and almost you yourselves too, that it is ratified in heaven. Thus will they endeavour to make you odious to others and a terror to yourselves." This is supposed to be the proper notion of aphorisōsin humas - they shall cast you out of their synagogues. "And they that have not this power will not fail to show their malice, to the utmost of their power; for they will reproach you, will charge you with the blackest crimes, which you are perfectly innocent of, will fasten upon you the blackest characters, which you do not deserve; they will cast out your name as evil, your name as Christians, as apostles; they will do all they can to render these names odious." This is the application of the eighth beatitude, Mat 5:10-12. "Such usage as this seems hard; but blessed are you when you are so used. It is so far from depriving you of your happiness that it will greatly add to it. It is an honour to you, as it is to a brave hero to be employed in the wars, in the service of his prince; and therefore rejoice you in that day, and leap for joy, Luk 6:23. Do not only bear it, but triumph in it. For," (1.) "You are hereby highly dignified in the kingdom of grace, for you are treated as the prophets were before you, and therefore not only need not be ashamed of it, but may justly rejoice in it, for it will be an evidence for you that you walk in the same spirit, and in the same steps, are engaged in the same cause, and employed in the same service, with them." (2.) "You will for this be abundantly recompensed in the kingdom of glory; not only your services for Christ, but your sufferings will come into the account: Your reward is great in heaven. Venture upon your sufferings, in a full belief that the glory of heaven will abundantly countervail all these hardships; so that, though you may be losers for Christ, you shall not be losers by him in the end." II. Woes denounced against prospering sinners as miserable people, though the world envies them. These we had not in Matthew. It should seem, the best exposition of these woes, compared with the foregoing blessings, is the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Lazarus had the blessedness of those that are poor, and hunger, and weep, now, for in Abraham's bosom all the promises made to them who did so were made good to him; but the rich man had the woes that follow here, as he had the character of those on whom these woes are entailed. 1. Here is a woe to them that are rich, that is, that trust in riches, that have abundance of this world's wealth, and, instead of serving God with it, serve their lusts with it; woe to them, for they have received their consolation, that which they placed their happiness in, and were willing to take up with for a portion, Luk 6:24. They in their life-time received their good things, which, in their account, were the best things, and all the good things they are ever likely to receive from God. "You that are rich are in temptation to set your hearts upon a smiling world, and to say, Soul, take thine ease in the embraces of it, This is my rest for ever, here will I dwell; and then woe unto you." (1.) It is the folly of carnal worldlings that they make the things of this world their consolation, which were intended only for their convenience. They please themselves with them, pride themselves in them, and make them their heaven upon earth; and to them the consolations of God are small, and of no account. (2.) It is their misery that they are put off with them as their consolation. Let them know it, to their terror, when they are parted from these things, there is an end of all their comfort, a final end of it, and nothing remains to them but everlasting misery and torment. 2. Here is a woe to them that are full (Luk 6:25), that are fed to the full, and have more than heart could wish (Psa 73:7), that have their bellies filled with the hid treasures of this world (Psa 17:14), that, when they have abundance of these, are full, and think they have enough, they need no more, they desire no more, Rev 3:17. Now ye are full, now ye are rich, Co1 4:8. They are full of themselves, without God and Christ. Woe to such, for they shall hunger, they shall shortly be stripped and emptied of all the things they are so proud of; and, when they shall have left behind them in the world all those things which are their fulness, they shall carry away with them such appetites and desires as the world they remove to will afford them no gratifications of; for all the delights of sense, which they are now so full of, will in hell be denied, and in heaven superseded. 3. Here is a woe to them that laugh now, that have always a disposition to be merry, and always something to make merry with; that know no other joy than that which is carnal and sensual, and know no other use of this world's good than purely to indulge that carnal sensual joy that banishes sorrow, even godly sorrow, from their minds, and are always entertaining themselves with the laughter of the fool. Woe unto such, for it is but now, for a little time, that they laugh; they shall mourn and weep shortly, shall mourn and weep eternally, in a world where there is nothing but weeping and wailing, endless, easeless, and remediless sorrow. 4. Here is a woe to them whom all men speak well of, that is, who make it their great and only care to gain the praise and applause of men, who value themselves upon that more than upon the favour of God and his acceptance (Luk 6:26): "Woe unto you; that is, it would be a bad sign that you were not faithful to your trust, and to the souls of men, if you preached so as that nobody would be disgusted; for your business is to tell people of their faults, and, if you do that as you ought, you will get that ill will which never speaks well. The false prophets indeed, that flattered your father in their wicked ways, that prophesied smooth things to them, were caressed and spoken well of; and, if you be in like manner cried up, you will be justly suspected to deal deceitfully as they did." We should desire to have the approbation of those that are wise and good, and not be indifferent to what people say of us; but, as we should despise the reproaches, so we should also despise the praises, of the fools in Israel.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:20-23 God blesses those who acknowledge their inadequacy and weakness and turn to God for strength. The value system of God’s Kingdom is radically different from the world’s value system, in which power and strength represent success. 6:20-21 poor . . . hungry: Cp. Matt 5:3, 6. This statement likely included physical and spiritual poverty. Poverty and suffering tend to make us more dependent on God. The Old Testament includes many promises that God will feed and comfort his people (Pss 22:26; 107:36-41; 126:1-6; Isa 49:10-13; 51:3; 65:13).