Personal retribution in the form of an "eye for eye" where you treat people how they treat you, or "a tit for a tat" where you only give to people who can reciprocate, is not compatible with the ethics of Christ. In this passage, Jesus gives four examples of how his disciples will respond differently.

What is it that makes a mother blessed? Is it having children that turn out well? Or is it something else? Is there hope for a mother's happiness that extends beyond motherhood? Jesus answers this question in Luke 11:27-28.