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I. THE WOMAN'S EXCLAMATION. We may notice the cause of her exclamation, the speaking of Jesus. His word, though powerful, is not a hurricane, but harmony.

II. ON WHAT HER ADMIRATION TURNED — "Jesus." The cold-hearted Pharisee might have felt disposed to exclaim, "What irregularity! What a breach of order!" Jesus, however, was in no danger of being disconcerted in His discourse from any casual interruption, but was at all times fully at liberty to take advantage of every passing event.

III. OUR LORD'S REPLY. "Rather blessed are they that hear the Word," etc. This reply naturally includes these particulars —

1. His admission of the truth she declared.

2. His assertion — "Blessed are they that hear the Word, and keep it."

3. The description — They that keep it. Unfortunately, many content themselves with hearing (Ezekiel 30:30, 32).I conclude —

1. To hear the Word of God is not to keep it. Many seem to believe religion consists in hearing.

2. Hearing is only instrumental to salvation.

3. The promise is not made to hearing, but to doing. Hear, and your souls live. Be not a hearer, but a doer, otherwise —

4. The blessing will prove a curse.

(W. Jay.)

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KJV: And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

WEB: It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!"