Yesterday, we read the Beatitudes. Today, we read the Woes. Jesus turns our worldly, human ideas of what blessing looks like upside down. We are told in these passages when we are rich, full, laughing and well-esteemed, we already have our reward.

Don’t get me wrong here – I don’t believe Jesus is saying we can’t be wealthy, filled, happy or respected. He’s not. He is saying when we are rich, filled, happy or respected apart from him, we already have our reward. It is our need for Jesus and our lives in service to him that reap the greatest blessings as true wealth, filling, laughter and esteem are found only in and through him.

[Luke 6.24-26]

24 But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Are any of the woes things I am seeking apart from Jesus?

+ Are any of the woes things I have that I need to submit to Jesus to be used for his glory?

+ Do I often recall Jesus is the giver of every, good thing?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who comes to mind as “woe-some” I can pray for this week?

+ How might what Paul says in Galatians 2.20 “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,” as well as Philippians 4.13 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength,” embolden you to battle with whomever the Holy Spirit leads you to like Jesus does in Luke 4.31-41?