Blessings and woes
The Surprising Secret of Happiness
Luke 6:20–26
“Blessed are you…”
Jesus begins one of His most provocative teachings with this unexpected phrase—not addressed to the wealthy, powerful, or popular, but to the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful, and the rejected. It’s startling. How could those living in deep lack be the ones who are truly blessed?
This message challenges everything our culture teaches us about happiness. In a world where happiness is often equated with success, comfort, and approval, Jesus flips the script. He shows us that true happiness isn’t something we achieve—it's something we receive.
1. Happiness is a Gift
Jesus doesn’t say the poor are blessed because poverty is good. He says they’re blessed because the kingdom of God belongs to them. In the same way, the hungry will be satisfied, the weeping will laugh, and the rejected will rejoice—not because suffering is ideal, but because God meets us there with His presence and His promises.
Real happiness, Jesus says, isn't about our circumstances. It’s not about what we own or how we feel in the moment. It’s a gift rooted in our relationship with God—a joy that persists even in pain.
“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” — Psalm 107:9
2. Happiness is a Choice
After the blessings, Jesus gives four “woes”—warnings to those who seek happiness in wealth, comfort, mockery, and popularity. Why the warning? Because these paths often promise fulfillment but lead to emptiness.
Jesus isn't saying riches or laughter are wrong in themselves. He's saying where you place your trust matters. If you depend on money, approval, or temporary pleasures to fill your soul, you’ll find yourself deeply disappointed.
We all have a choice: to trust in God's gift of happiness or chase shadows that vanish.
“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil… and has pierced many with many sorrows.” — 1 Timothy 6:10
“Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry…” — Luke 6:25
3. Happiness is a Promise
Jesus’ words have a clear future orientation: “You shall be satisfied… you shall laugh…” The happiness Jesus offers may not always match our moment, but it is certain in eternity.
Even now, we can taste this happiness. As we trust God, resist false promises, and follow Jesus in humility, we begin to experience a joy the world can't take away.
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” — John 15:11
“For the joy set before him, [Jesus] endured the cross…” — Hebrews 12:2
Reflection Questions
What is your definition of happiness? How does it compare to Jesus' vision in Luke 6?
Which of the “blessed” groups (poor, hungry, weeping, rejected) do you most identify with right now? What promise of Jesus do you need to hold onto?
Which of the “woes” (wealth, fullness, laughter at others, approval) is most tempting for you? Where might you be looking for happiness apart from God?
How might you practice receiving happiness as a gift this week? What does it look like to choose happiness in your current season?
What would change in your daily life if you believed happiness was already yours through Jesus?
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