Blessed are They 2/4

04 Feb 2016 - Blessed are They – Card Verse for the Day by Dorothy Callies

Luke 11:28 KJV, “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it.”

Why did Jesus say, “Yea rather”?  What happen here?  We need to go back to Luke 11:27 and see what it says.  I would like to use the Amplified Bible.  “Now it occurred that as He was saying these things, a certain woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, Blessed (happy and to be envied) is the womb that bore You and the breasts that you sucked!”  In verse 28, AMP, “But He said, Blessed (happy and to be envied) rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey and practice it!”

Even more clearly to read is New Living Translation in Luke 11:27-28, “As he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!”  But He replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

Did you “hear” that? Even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice?  I would like to share the commentary from the Preacher’s Outline and Sermon Bible which give a very impression comment.

(11:27-28) The Word of God: the necessary thing is to hear the Word of God and keep it.  Luke is the only Gospel writer to mention this incident. Clearly what happened was that some woman in the crowd was caught up in Jesus’ teaching and presence.  She just exclaimed that a woman who could bear One like Jesus was to be blessed.  But note what Jesus said. There is a greater blessing than what even Mary had. Imagine! A greater blessing than being able to testify that one had given birth to Jesus! What is it? “Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it.”

Dorothy: I hope this is as clear as it says. Greater blessing, greater happiness, and greater joy are you that hear the Word of God and keep it inside your hearts. Mary alone was blessed to give birth to Jesus, but we, the people, hearing Jesus speaking the Word of God are much more blessed. It brings happiness to our hearts. 

Song: Happiness Is…

Happiness is to know the Savior,

Living a life within His favor,

Having a change in my behavior,

Happiness is the Lord.

Happiness is a new creation,

Jesus and me in close relation,

Having a part in His salvation,

Happiness is the Lord.

Real joy is mine, no matter if

     the teardrops start;

I’ve found the secret,

     it’s Jesus in my heart.

Happiness is to be forgiven,

Living a life that’s worth the living,

Taking a trip that leads to heaven,

Happiness is the Lord.

Happiness is the Lord.

Happiness is the Lord!

 (Inspiring Choruses, originally from

 Ira F. Stanphill, 100 Scared Favorites)