Woe to those who are not hungry.

Service Notes:

Welcome those around you with an Aloha

Open Bible to Luke 6

Overview of the Luau meal

Invite James to pray / explain time of prayer with them after meal

Check website or church App for information about out annual Missions Conference coming up in 2 weeks

Andrew, Bret, Stephen signed up this is not what I expected. Not just surprised but relieved.

Sermon Introduction

How Deep the Fathers Love for Us / Closing Song today

Last week. “Let me level with you.”

Today’s sermon is not mine. It comes from Jesus.

Review:

Review disciples. Matthew / Levi is who this day is named after

Tyre and Sidon. People from everywhere even the coast. 150 miles

We had been seeing how different Jesus teaching is than what others had taught.

You see, the teaching of Jesus doesn’t add a little to conventional religious wisdom. It doesn’t just subtract a little. It replaces it.

Introduction to teaching from Jesus (if you are new to teaching by Jesus)

When Jesus concludes people respond with astonishment.

Matthew 7:28 (AV)

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

Jesus’ teaching always calls an action.

Luke 4:28–29 (AV)

28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

Jesus teaching demands a response.

Which explains Jesus’ words at the end of the sermon

Luke 6:46–47 (AV)

46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? 47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

You will see what Jesus teaches and why it demands a response

Luke 6:17–26 (AV)

17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; 18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. 20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Jesus began His sermon with a series of blessings and woes on His listeners.

Four blessings and four woes which parallel each other.

E. Stanley Jones is one of the most famous Methodist missionaries. One day E. Stanley Jones came to Emory University and spoke to a Systematic Theology class. Someone asked him what he thought of the Beatitudes. Several students picked up their pens expecting something profound…and they got it. Here’s what he said: “At first sight, you felt they turned everything upside down. At second sight, you understand that they turn everything right side up. The first time you read them they are impossible. The second time you read them, nothing else is possible.”

Review of the Blessings

Blessed be the poor

Blessed be that hunger

Blessed be ye that weep

Blessed when men hate you

What you treasure most is going to set you apart from the world around you.

No dietary laws

not Sabbath rules

But the fact you have been with me

So let me explain it to you this way,

You are going to be blessed, even when you are poor, because you understand that I am the only real treasure.

You’re going to be blessed, even when you’re hungry, because you understand that I am the bread of life.

You’re going to be blessed, even when you are weeping, because you know that I came to bring joy inexpressible and fully of glory.

You’re going to be blessed, even when you are friendless, because I am the friend of sinners, and I will never leave you or forsake you.

You’re going to be blessed, even when you are persecuted for My sake, because frankly, I'm worth it.”

Told to leap for joy when we are reviled for our association with his name

1. The key isn’t being poor but it is you are his disciple.

Luke 6:20 (AV)

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

2. Poverty doesn’t bring blessings but living for the Son of man’s sake.

Luke 6:22 (AV)

22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

Poverty, hunger, sorrow, rejection…a blessing?  Riches, satisfaction, happiness and popularity…a curse?

Four Woes; The Rich, The Satisfied, The Happy, The Celebrated

Woe

In the Bible, when a prophet warned people of condemnation, he would often begin with the word “woe.” Woe refers to unrelenting sorrow, pain, and agony, the kind that cannot be relieved. Woe crushes a person. And when prophets pronounce a “woe” against people, the woe comes at the hand of God’s condemnation.

We should listen carefully. Because I believe in a moment we will laugh and be satisfied with a great meal.

The Rich

Luke 6:24 (AV)

24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

Not speaking of financial wealth.

Abraham was rich and Job was rich and Deuteronomy says it’s God who gives you the power to get wealth.

Matthew 5:3 (AV)

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The poor will be blessed because they are needy.

But the "rich," those who believe they are "good enough," have received their consolation.

Example of a rich man.

Matthew 6:2 (AV)

2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

It is impossible not just difficult.

Luke 18:25 (AV)

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Danger of money is when it is a competing love.

1 Timothy 6:10

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The Satisfied

Luke 6:25

25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

The poor in spirit mourn their sinful state and hunger for a closer relationship with God. The rich in spirit are already satisfied with their lot in life.

In contrast to the blessed who are hungry

The hungry talking about people who don’t have any food.  He’s talking about people who hunger for righteousness.

Blessed are those who feel the emptiness.  Blessed are those who know they aren’t righteous.  They feel it.  They are starved for it.

Fear of my kids being raised in Alpharetta.

The struggle earthly riches provide.

Mark 10:21–22 (AV)

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions

Or you could say many possessions had him.

The Happy

Luke 6:25b

25b Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

No, he is not pronouncing judgement on happy people! That would be absurd. If you are satisfied with your life, you will never seek to know the Creator of the Universe.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying life unless you leave God out of it.

Song: Every town Has its ups and downs Sometime ups Outnumber the downs But not in Nottingham

Matthew 23:27–28 (AV)

27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Jesus is not calling this man away from treasure; he’s calling him to treasure—to real treasure.

Mark 10:21 (AV)

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

As He is doing with real, eternal joy

Jesus does not want to take away our pleasure; He wants to satisfy us with his treasure

Laughter is not forbidden.

Luke 6:23 (AV)

23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Laughter that is not respectful to the son of man will result in mourning.

The Celebrated

Luke 6:26 (AV)

26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

Every one of these woes were directed at the Temple priests and scribes who loved the adoration of the people, the money they made from them and the power they wielded as priests, over them.

The promise with our best life now is it gives little to no thought about the next.

Luke 10:20

20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

God is offering you more than you could imagine. Not less.

What is better than

earthly riches - putting up treasure in Heaven where neither moth or dust can corrupt

temporarily satisfied and full - finding bread of life where you will never hunger again

being happy today - eternal joy and contentment in finding joy in someone that will never die

Why? Remember story of the rich man.

Mark 10:21 (AV)

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

God loves all the children of the world. The Rich, The Satisfied, The Happy, The Celebrated

Jesus loves all people enough to tell them the truth.

Just because God loves all the children it does not mean we all are His.

Hear this in the context of Christ’s love for us.

More than a Luau is being offered today.

There is a kingdom that is being offered.

Luke 12:32–34 (AV)

32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Father’s Good Pleasure

Isaiah 53:11 (AV)

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Hebrews 12:2 (AV)

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Motivation based on reward

The “now” in the blessing passages are replaced with a future promise.

Luke 6:21 (AV)

21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

The reward is God Himself!

John 17:3 (AV)

3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

There is a great warning.

Luke 6:24–25 (AV)

24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

Does this type of understanding create love for God?

Witnessing God’s grace produces joy.

2 Corinthians 8:1–2 (AV)

1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality

Being motivated by a great reward is not contrary to love.

Luke 6:34–36 (AV)

34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

This not a selfish live for self. This is the love for God causing you to want have more people join you in it!

The produce of reward produces joy which produces love.

Luke 14:12–14 (AV)

12 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. 13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

Moses chose reproach in this world as great gain in light of the world to come.

Hebrews 11:24–26

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Moses didn’t want the consolation of riches promised in Luke 6. He did not want to be spoken well of by man. He wanted to honor God and treasure the things of God.

They had a choose to make. Either based upon the temporary or the eternal

Why speak in parables.

Matthew 13:10–13 (AV)

10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Why does Jesus talk like this?

Will we reverence Him and listen until we hear Him?

Will you dismiss Him as unimportant?

Jesus doesn’t always speak in parables? Here is in simple terms.

Lazarus and the rich man.

Luke 16:25 (AV)

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

This is the great reversals. Things will not be as they presently seem.

Luke 16:21 (AV)

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table:

What do we do?

Today no matter you can in I pray that you will see yourself as poor and hungry outside of Jesus.

Today:

You must recognize you are underserving but a recipient of God’s love.

Story does not start with what you can do but is all about what he has done for you.

Man on the middle cross said I could come. (because he found himself hungry and poor when he met Jesus)