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Luke 11 is a chapter of fascinating variety. It is like a moving picture showing the Savior who was busy about His Master’s business. The chapter begins with Jesus praying in a certain place (v. 1). The disciples ask Him to teach them to pray, as John taught his disciples. In response, He gives them the model prayer (vv. 2–4), followed by the parable of the three friends, emphasizing persistence (vv. 5–10). Then He instructs them to pray expectantly, comparing earthly fathers with the heavenly Father (vv. 11–13).
In the next section, Jesus casts out a demon from a mute man (vv. 14–16). Reactions varied: the people marveled; some said that He was in league with Beelzebul; yet others were asking for a sign from heaven to test Him. Jesus responded by saying that a kingdom divided against itself will fall (vv. 17–23). In the following section, Jesus warns against partial reform or spiritual complacency (vv. 24–26).
In response to increasing crowds, He told the sign-seekers that no sign would be given except the sign of Jonah, and that something greater than Solomon and Jonah was here (vv. 29–32). This was followed by a warning, lest the light that was in them be darkness (vv. 33–36).
Jesus accepted an invitation to a meal from a Pharisee. The host was astonished that Jesus did not perform the ceremonial washing before eating (vv. 37–38). What followed was a “woe-full” meal as Jesus announced woes on the national religious leadership because of their greed, wickedness, and hypocrisy (vv. 39–52).
The chapter ends with the scribes and Pharisees pressing Jesus and provoking Him in order to entrap Him in His words (vv. 53–54). Is your head spinning from all this activity and controversy? We are left breathless.
In the midst of all this (vv. 27–28), however, we hear a voice from a woman in the crowd: “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” This woman’s beatitude indicates that she was listening to Jesus and was learning about Him. She was deeply impressed by the force, truthfulness, and wisdom of His words. Although her adoration was misplaced as she publicly blessed His mother, nonetheless it was correct (see the words of Elizabeth in Luke 1:42). Jesus did not deny what she said, but He added another beatitude: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (11:28). It is important to hear the Word, but equally so is obeying that which is heard. James 1:22–25 stresses the importance of looking into the mirror of God’s Word, seeing adjustments that need to be made, and then doing what God requires. The hearer who does that will be blessed.
Many of us live lives of fascinating variety and crazy busyness. We dare not overlook the fact that the blessed life will be marked by hearing and heeding God’s Word. Do not allow yourself to get so busy that this is overlooked.