The Four Woes: The Popular (Luke 6:24-26)

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Luke records Jesus speaking a different set of warnings from Matthew.... this is the last...

Luke 6:24-26   26 "Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets. 

If you want to be popular, following Jesus isn't going to be easy for you.  The false prophets were popular. They told the people what they wanted to hear, while the real prophets were run out of town - often killed.  On one hand, followers of Jesus should be the most popular kids in town - they love unconditionally, work to meet the needs of the poor, feed the hungry.  On the other hand, they speak truth and work for justice.  The only people who are going to appreciate truth and justice are those who seek it too.

For me this is the hardest part of following Jesus.  But here Jesus assures his followers to expect this sort of treatment - and yet, to follow him anyway.