Luke 6:20-26

Who and what God calls blessed often stands in sharp contrast to what the world calls happy.

1. The world says the rich are happy, Jesus says the poor are happy. I think here He is primarily speaking of the poor in spirit, (see Matthew 5:3). To be poor in spirit means to be humble, to recognize our spiritual poverty and indebtedness to God, and our need for the Saviour. It is only when we become poor in spirit that we can receive the riches of salvation in Christ Jesus. Zacheus was not physically poor, but He became poor in Spirit. When he did, salvation came to His house! ( Luke 19:8-9)

2. The world considers a carefree lifestyle with lots of laughter, pleasure, and ease as happiness. Jesus said it is those who learn to mourn that are truly blessed. There are many tears in the Christian life, but the tears of the faithful lead to joy, while the laughter of the wicked, in the end, leads to sorrow.

Psalm 126:6- He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

3. Carnal men seek popularity and the glory and honor of men. They delight when others praise them and speak highly of them. Jesus said it is more blessed to receive the approval of God. If we take a stand with Jesus, the world will very likely hate us and speak evil of us, for they hated and spoke evil of Christ. We should take heart, because the prophets, apostles and Christ Himself were also hated and spoken evil of. If we suffer for Christ, we will also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will deny us. If we confess Him before men, He will confess our names to the Father.