Scripture reading – Luke 6
Luke 6
Review (Luke 6:1-16)
You will find Luke 6:1-12 a parallel chronicle of the events we studied in Matthew 12 and Mark 3 (the disciples plucking grain and eating on the Sabbath, and Jesus healing the man with a withered hand). Luke also recorded Jesus calling the Twelve to be His disciples (Luke 6:13-16; Matthew 10:1-2; Mark 3:13-14).
The Growing Fame and Popularity of Jesus (Luke 6:17-19)
Having called and commissioned His disciples, Jesus “came down with them, and stood in the plain” (Luke 6:17), where “a great multitude” gathered from all over the region (Luke 6:17). The people “came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases” (Luke 6:17). Jesus began to teach and heal those who came to Him, and “the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue [power] out of him, and healed them all” (Luke 6:19).
The Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-49)
Followers of Heart of a Shepherd are familiar with the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), but here Luke recorded what I will describe as the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49). Because the subject of Luke 6:20-49 is the character of the citizens of Christ’s kingdom, you will find some similarities between the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain. Several truths stated by Jesus and recorded in Luke 6 are familiar, even among non-believers. Due to the length of today’s passage, I will limit my commentary.
The Blessed: The Spiritual Character of Authentic Believers (Luke 6:20-23)
Here, Jesus describes the spiritual character of sincere believers. They are “blessed,” meaning enduring happiness regardless of their circumstances. This is not some shallow, giddy joy but a contentment that arises in the heart of those whose faith is in the LORD and His promises. As we interpret this passage, remember to view its truths through a spiritual lens.
For instance, “Blessed be ye poor” (i.e., in spirit; emptied of self): for yours is the kingdom of God” (a spiritual, not earthly realm, Luke 6:20; Matthew 5:3). “21Blessed are ye that hunger now [for the spiritual; i.e., righteousness]: for ye shall be filled” [satisfied; Luke 6:21a; Matthew 5:6; Psalm 23:1]. “Blessed are ye that weep [mourn; sorrow over sin] now: for ye shall laugh” (Luke 6:21b; Matthew 5:4). Earthly sorrows are temporal, but believers are promised abiding joy in the future (Psalm 30:5; Jeremiah 31:13).
When believers suffer ill-treatment “for the Son of man’s sake,” they are assured they will be blessed and rewarded (Luke 6:22-23; Matthew 5:11). In the world, obedient followers of Christ are sometimes the object of hate, reproach, and rejection (Luke 6:22). However, when they suffer sorrows because of their faithfulness, they are blessed. Indeed, the day is coming when all who suffer for Christ’s sake will “rejoice…and leap for joy,” for their “reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:23; Matthew 5:12).
The Curse of Materialism and Popularity (Luke 6:24-26)
The recipients of Jesus’ warning were not identified in this brief passage. Nevertheless, we live in a materialistic culture and have no trouble seeing why Christ warned his audience that loving riches, pleasure, and popularity is addictive and invites God’s judgment (Luke 6:24-26). The rich, full, carefree, and famous might enjoy the moment, but one day, they find it is temporal and fleeting. Every soul will inevitably face God’s judgment (Matthew 8:11-12; 13:42, 50).
The Kingdom Where Love Reigns (Luke 6:27-38)
The spiritual truths recorded in Luke 6:27-38 have been an inspiration throughout the centuries. The ultimate act of Christ-like love is choosing to rise above the hatred and mistreatment of an enemy and exercising self-sacrificing love. This principle arises solely from the Scriptures.
Loving an enemy, doing good to one who hates you, blessing one who curses you, and praying for those who abuse you are all contrary to man’s nature (Luke 6:27-28). Likewise, turning the other cheek or giving an added portion to someone who takes from you goes beyond natural law and justice (Luke 6:29). We should remember that giving without expecting anything in return is an unselfish act (Luke 6:30). Similarly, the question, “How would you want to be treated?” arises from Luke 6:31. There we read, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31).
Closing thoughts –
There are so many more truths in Luke 6, and I encourage you to prioritize reading the balance of the chapter and meditating on the verses. Permit me to remind you in closing that the principles Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Plain were not new to the Jews.
Patience, forgiveness, and charity were virtues explained in the Old Testament. The LORD reminded Israel that vengeance belonged to Him (Deuteronomy 32:35). Solomon wrote, “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink” (Proverbs 25:21). Moses wrote, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18).
Is your love for others self-sacrificing and giving? Do you love the unlovable and the unlovely? (Luke 6:31-36)
Such is the character of Biblical love!
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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