He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Luke 11:28 NIV
In Luke 11, we encounter a moment of deep spiritual revelation as Jesus teaches the crowd. A woman calls out in admiration, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you” (Luke 11:27, NIV). While the statement honours His mother, Jesus redirects the focus to something far more important—obeying God’s word. He replies, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). With this, He unveils a powerful truth: true blessedness is not in earthly recognition, but in living according to God’s voice.
Jesus wasn’t criticising the woman, nor was He dismissing Mary’s role. Instead, He gently shifted the focus from human admiration to divine expectation. Even though Mary was chosen and honoured, Jesus made it clear that physical ties—even to Him—do not define a person’s spiritual standing. What matters most in the kingdom is obeying God’s word.
It’s easy to see how the crowd may have been more fascinated by Jesus’ heritage than His message. But He determined not to let them miss the deeper reality. Mary herself needed salvation. Like all of us, she had to hear and respond to the word of God. Her unique place in history did not exclude her from the need to be born again and walk in obedience.
In His response, Jesus revealed a significant shift in perspective. Our roles, relationships, or credentials does not determine our spiritual blessing. It is measured by our response to what God says. It’s striking that Jesus, even while preaching, didn’t say, “Blessed is the one who preaches.” Instead, He pointed to those who hear and obey. That distinction reminds us that the true reward is not in the platform we stand on, but in the practice we live out.
The Amplified Bible describes those who obey God’s word as “happy, to be envied, and favoured by God.” Such blessing doesn’t come from public applause or impressive titles. It flows from hearts that are humble, surrendered, and obedient. Preaching and teaching are valuable, but they do not exempt us from living the truth ourselves. Every word we speak must first be rooted in our own obedience.
This truth echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Saying the right things or claiming religious status is not enough. The real test is whether we are obeying God’s word.
There’s also a caution in Jesus’ message. If we don’t hear the word of God, we can’t obey it. But even more sobering is this: if we hear it and do not obey, we gain nothing. The blessing is not in hearing alone, but in putting it into practice. It’s a call to wholehearted discipleship—a life where obedience is not optional but essential.
In every generation, God looks for those who will not only listen, but respond. Those who will treasure His word, yield to His will, and walk it out daily. True blessedness is not found in influence or knowledge—it is found in obeying God’s word with a willing heart.
Living It Out
Are you simply hearing God’s word, or are you allowing it to shape the way you live? Take time today to reflect on how you respond to the truth God reveals. Whether you serve in leadership or live out your faith quietly, your obedience is what heaven honours.
Pray for grace to apply what you’ve heard. Ask the Lord to help you love His word, not just in thought, but in deed. Let your life be the evidence of a heart that honours God.
And may these words be your testimony: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”