# Overview Luke Chapter 6 presents a series of profound teachings and miraculous actions of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], illustrating His authority and compassion. The chapter begins with the account of Jesus and His disciples plucking grain on the #Sabbath, challenging the #Pharisees' rigid interpretation of the law. Jesus declares Himself "Lord of the Sabbath," emphasizing the principle of mercy over legalism. This incident is followed by the healing of a man with a withered hand on another Sabbath, further highlighting Jesus' mission to restore and heal, demonstrating that love and compassion fulfill the true intent of the law. The chapter continues with Jesus selecting His twelve #apostles, whom He calls after a night of prayer, signifying the importance of divine guidance. Jesus then delivers a powerful sermon on the #plain, echoing the themes of the Beatitudes and the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. He blesses the poor, the hungry, and those who weep, and warns those who are rich and self-satisfied. Jesus teaches about loving enemies, not judging others, and bearing good fruit, emphasizing the transformative nature of His message. The chapter concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders, urging listeners to build their lives on the solid foundation of His words. Through these teachings and actions, Jesus reveals the heart of His kingdom, centered on love, humility, and obedience to God's will. ## Theological Insights Luke 6 presents profound theological insights into the nature of the #KingdomOfGod, the role of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the authoritative teacher, and the ethical demands of discipleship. 1. **Sabbath Authority**: In the opening verses ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 6#1-5]]), Jesus asserts his authority over the #Sabbath. By declaring himself as "Lord of the Sabbath," Jesus challenges the prevailing interpretations of the law, elevating mercy and human need above ritualistic observance. This highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of the #Law and the #Prophets, revealing a new understanding of God's will ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 12#7]]). 2. **Healing and Compassion**: The healing of the man with the withered hand ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 6#6-11]]) on the Sabbath further underscores the priority of compassion and restoration. Jesus' actions demonstrate that the #KingdomOfGod is about restoration and life, contrasting with the rigid and lifeless adherence to the law practiced by the #Pharisees. 3. **Selection of the Twelve Apostles**: In verses 12-16, Jesus chooses his #Apostles. This formal selection signifies the establishment of a new community through whom Jesus will continue his ministry. The number twelve connects to the twelve tribes of #Israel, indicating the reconstitution of God's people under the new covenant. 4. **The Beatitudes and Woes**: The Sermon on the Plain ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 6#17-26]]) introduces a radical reversal of societal values. The #Beatitudes present blessings for those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted, affirming God's preferential option for the marginalized. Conversely, the woes pronounced on the rich, full, laughing, and well-spoken reflect the temporary and deceptive nature of worldly success and comfort. 5. **Love for Enemies**: Jesus' teachings on love ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 6#27-36]]) extend beyond common social norms, calling for love of enemies and doing good without expecting anything in return. This radical love embodies the nature of God himself, who is "kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (v. 35), and challenges disciples to reflect God's grace and mercy in their own lives. 6. **Judgment and Forgiveness**: Verses 37-42 emphasize the principles of non-judgment, forgiveness, and self-awareness. These teachings call believers to exercise humility and grace, recognizing their own shortcomings before addressing others'. 7. **The Two Foundations**: The chapter concludes with the parable of the two builders ([[Luke/Luke Chapter 6#46-49]]), highlighting the necessity of putting Jesus' words into practice. A life built on obedience to Jesus' teachings is likened to a house with a strong foundation, able to withstand life's trials. Overall, Luke 6 challenges believers to live counter-culturally, embodying the values of the #KingdomOfGod through merciful actions, love, and humility, as demonstrated by [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], the ultimate authority and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. ## Thematic Connections ### The Authority of Jesus In Luke 6, [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] asserts his authority over traditional interpretations of the #Sabbath, declaring himself as "Lord of the Sabbath" (Luke 6:5). This theme connects to other instances where Jesus demonstrates authority over religious practices, such as in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 12|Matthew 12]] and [[Mark/Mark Chapter 2|Mark 2]]. His authority is further emphasized by his ability to heal, as seen in the healing of the man with the withered hand (Luke 6:6-10), highlighting Jesus' divine authority and compassion. ### The Kingdom of God The Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23) offer a vision of the #KingdomofGod, where the values of the world are overturned. This theme is also found in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5|Matthew 5]], where the Beatitudes similarly emphasize the blessedness of the poor, hungry, and persecuted. The contrast between earthly woes and heavenly blessings underscores the transformative nature of God's kingdom. ### Love and Mercy Jesus’ teaching on love for enemies and mercy (Luke 6:27-36) reflects the radical love and grace that characterize the new covenant. This theme resonates with [[Romans/Romans Chapter 12|Romans 12:14-21]], where Paul encourages believers to bless those who persecute them and to overcome evil with good. This call to love and mercy is central to Christian ethics, illustrating the distinctiveness of Christ’s teaching. ### Judgment and Hypocrisy The parable of the blind leading the blind and the admonishment against hypocrisy (Luke 6:39-42) echo themes found in other Gospel accounts, such as [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 7|Matthew 7:1-5]]. These teachings warn against self-righteous judgment and emphasize the importance of self-examination and humility, foundational to the life of a believer in community. ### The Fruit of a Transformed Life The metaphor of a tree and its fruit (Luke 6:43-45) emphasizes the connection between one's heart and actions. This theme is paralleled in [[Galatians/Galatians Chapter 5|Galatians 5:22-23]], where the fruits of the Spirit are described. The transformation of the heart leads to actions that reflect God's righteousness, a core aspect of Christian discipleship. ### Foundations of Obedience The parable of the wise and foolish builders (Luke 6:46-49) highlights the importance of hearing and obeying Jesus' words. This theme finds a parallel in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 7|Matthew 7:24-27]] and emphasizes the stability and security found in living according to Jesus' teachings, contrasting with the instability of lives built on disobedience. This discourse underscores the call to a life rooted in Christ's instructions. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Sabbath Rest In Luke 6, Jesus’ actions and teachings about the #Sabbath underscore the fulfillment of the prophetic vision of rest and liberation. His healing on the Sabbath (Luke 6:6-10) echoes the prophetic hope seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 61|Isaiah 61:1-2]], where the #Messiah is portrayed as bringing liberation and restoration. By asserting His lordship over the Sabbath (Luke 6:5), Jesus fulfills the deeper intention of the Sabbath as a sign of the coming rest and freedom in God’s kingdom, a theme rooted in the prophetic tradition. ### The New Covenant Community Jesus’ selection of the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-16) fulfills the prophetic vision of a renewed #Israel, as seen in passages like [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]], where God promises a new covenant with His people. The calling of the twelve symbolizes the reconstitution of Israel under the new covenant, with Jesus as the cornerstone. This act fulfills the prophetic anticipation of God gathering His people and establishing a new community centered on His teachings and grace. ### The Blessings and Woes The Beatitudes and Woes (Luke 6:20-26) reflect the prophetic tradition of reversing the fortunes of the oppressed and the oppressor, as foretold in passages like [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 61|Isaiah 61:1-3]] and [[Micah/Micah Chapter 6|Micah 6:8]]. By proclaiming blessings on the poor and woes on the rich, Jesus fulfills the prophetic promise of justice and the establishment of God’s kingdom values, where the humble are exalted, and the proud are brought low. This fulfillment underscores the radical nature of God’s kingdom, as envisioned by the prophets. ### The Love Command Jesus’ command to love enemies and do good (Luke 6:27-36) fulfills the prophetic call to live out God’s justice and mercy, as seen in [[Hosea/Hosea Chapter 6|Hosea 6:6]] and [[Micah/Micah Chapter 6|Micah 6:8]]. This teaching highlights the fulfillment of the prophetic vision for a community that reflects God’s character of steadfast love and mercy. Jesus embodies the prophetic ideal of transforming relationships through divine love, fulfilling the call for a community that practices God’s justice and kindness in all interactions. ## Verses - **Luke 6:1** - "One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples broke off heads of grain, rubbed off the husks in their hands, and ate the grain." - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 12]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 2]] for parallel accounts. - See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]] regarding the Sabbath. - **Luke 6:2** - "But some Pharisees said, 'Why are you breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?'" - Note: See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]] regarding the Sabbath. - **Luke 6:3** - "Jesus replied, 'Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry?'" - Note: Reference to [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 21]]. - **Luke 6:4** - "He went into the house of God and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests can eat. He also gave some to his companions." - Note: Reference to [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 21]]. - **Luke 6:5** - "And Jesus added, 'The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath.'" - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 12]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 2]] for parallel accounts. - **Luke 6:6** - "On another Sabbath day, a man with a deformed right hand was in the synagogue while Jesus was teaching." - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 12]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 3]] for parallel accounts. - **Luke 6:7** - "The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath." - Note: See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 20]] regarding the Sabbath. - **Luke 6:8** - "But Jesus knew their thoughts. He said to the man with the deformed hand, 'Come and stand in front of everyone.' So the man came forward." - **Luke 6:9** - "Then Jesus said to his critics, 'I have a question for you. Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?'" - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 12]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 3]] for parallel accounts. - **Luke 6:10** - "He looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, 'Hold out your hand.' So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!" - **Luke 6:11** - "At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him." - **Luke 6:12** - "One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night." - **Luke 6:13** - "At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:" - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 10]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 3]] for the listing of the apostles. - **Luke 6:14** - "Simon (whom he named Peter), Andrew (Peter’s brother), James, John, Philip, Bartholomew," - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 10]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 3]]. - **Luke 6:15** - "Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the zealot)," - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 10]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 3]]. - **Luke 6:16** - "Judas (son of James), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him)." - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 10]], [[Mark/Mark Chapter 3]], [[John/John Chapter 6]] regarding Judas Iscariot's betrayal. - **Luke 6:17** - "When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon." - **Luke 6:18** - "They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed." - **Luke 6:19** - "Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone." - **Luke 6:20** - "Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, 'God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.'" - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5]] for the Beatitudes. - **Luke 6:21** - "God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh." - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5]] for the Beatitudes. - **Luke 6:22** - "What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man." - **Luke 6:23** - "When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way." - **Luke 6:24** - "What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now." - **Luke 6:25** - "What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you. What sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow." - **Luke 6:26** - "What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets." - **Luke 6:27** - "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you." - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5]] for the teaching on loving enemies. - **Luke 6:28** - "Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you." - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5]]. - **Luke 6:29** - "If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also." - **Luke 6:30** - "Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back." - **Luke 6:31** - "Do to others as you would like them to do to you." - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 7]] for the Golden Rule. - **Luke 6:32** - "If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!" - **Luke 6:33** - "And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!" - **Luke 6:34** - "And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return." - **Luke 6:35** - "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked." - **Luke 6:36** - "You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate." - **Luke 6:37** - "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven." - Note: See also [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 7]] for teachings on judgment and forgiveness. - **Luke 6:38** - "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." - **Luke 6:39** - "Then Jesus gave the following illustration: 'Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch?'" - **Luke 6:40** - "Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher." - **Luke 6:41** - "And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?" - **Luke 6:42** - "How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye." - **Luke 6:43** - "A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit." - **Luke 6:44** - "A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes." - **Luke 6:45** - "A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart." - **Luke 6:46** - "So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?" - **Luke 6:47** - "I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it." - **Luke 6:48** - "It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built." - **Luke 6:49** - "But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins."