A woman from the crowd exclaimed how blessed Mary was, but Jesus said those who obey are more blessed. Jesus' earthly mother and brothers didn't have any greater honor, position, or prestige than what's available to people who obey! Jesus' statement teaches two simple truths:
1. If we're not obeying Him – no matter how close we might be to Him physically…even if we were as close as being one of His earthly family members – we're not that close to Him at all.
2. If we are obeying Christ, then we're very close to Him. Through obedience we can gain a closer relationship to Him than even His earthly family had.
Family Worship Guide :
Memory Verses: Luke 11:28
Day 1: Read Matt 5:4, Luke 1:26-30, 49, 6:21 and discuss: Why isn't "happy" the best synonym for blessed? Why was Mary favored, and what does (and doesn't) that mean? Although you might not sinfully elevate Mary as the Catholic Church does, are there any people you inappropriately elevate in your life?
Day 2: Read Luke 8:19-21, 11:28 John 14:15 and discuss: Why do you think the woman made the exclamation she did? Why did Jesus respond the way He did? Why did Jesus minimize His relationship with His earthly family members? What can we do to have "elevated" relationships with Jesus? What is the relationship between love and obedience?
Day 3: Read Luke 6:46-49, 8:21, 11:28, Jam 1:22 and discuss: Why do we need to be reminded listening isn't enough? What other reminders do we need? Pastor Scott gave two illustrations from teaching and coaching. What illustration can you give for people who hear without obeying?