CONNECTING POINT: Paradoxical Truths

Jesus had an uncanny ability to communicate truths for everyday life because He is known as the “author of life” (John 1:3). His perspective matters and there is wisdom in listening and applying His teachings daily. In last week’s column, pointed out in Luke 6 how Jesus offered a different approach to what it means to be “blessed,” one that we are not accustomed to. Typically, we associate “blessing” with the good stuff; those things in life which center around positive physical and emotional experiences. Jesus turns the message a complete 180 degrees; the blessing is more about having a deep joy that is not shaped or altered by the ever-changing complexities of life. To be “blessed” according to Jesus is tied directly to the spiritual.

We find many teachings of Jesus to be paradoxical, those which are not normal or usual. Take notice of His comparisons as recorded by Luke, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (vs. 20) with “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort” (vs. 24). The contrast is clear, we are blessed by being “poor” in spirit vs. having all the “riches” life offers. Jesus doubles down and describes that a fascination with “riches” brings about woe. In Greek, “woe” is ouai, denoting pain or displeasure, and also an expression of pity for those who stand under divine judgment (biblehub.com). Jesus isn’t saying that money is evil or wrong, but His warning is like a yellow traffic light that danger is present if we are ruled by riches and not keeping a healthy pulse on the spiritual.

Jesus continues, “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied” (vs. 21a) with “Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry” (vs. 25a). Hunger is the theme, but Jesus’ intentions are pointing us towards having a spiritual hunger vs. food or physical hunger. King Solomon concluded that all the pleasures of this life in the long run are meaningless, chasing it all leaves on “hungry.”

Next, Jesus says, “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh” (vs. 21b) in comparison to “Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep” (vs. 25b). There’s a mentality that has persisted over time that one should “live for the moment” or get the most pleasure out of life, this is why Jesus shares the “woes.” The warning is simple: we can live for this life or the next. Remember the audience Jesus was speaking to, 1st century Christians who were under heavy persecution. Momentary pain for the Christian will reap eternal rewards versus those who reject Christ will get what they can out of life but, in the end, separation from God.

Finally, Jesus states, “Blessed are you when people hate you when they exclude you and insult you, and reject your name as evil” (vs. 22) to “Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you” (vs. 26). Public perception has long driven the hearts of humanity, we seek audiences and acceptance. The point that Jesus is trying to drive home is simple; if one chooses to follow Him and live by His principal popularity isn’t your friend, in fact, Christians may even be despised. These paradoxes and others from Jesus challenge us to really consider what’s important, the spiritual or the physical. Which will you prioritize?