Key Events — Luke 6

4 events

1
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath
Jesus and His disciples walk through grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples pluck and eat some heads of grain. The Pharisees question this action, but Jesus responds by referencing David's actions and declaring Himself Lord of the Sabbath.
Theological significance
This event highlights Jesus' authority over the Sabbath, emphasizing His divinity and the principle that mercy and human need take precedence over ritualistic law-keeping.
In the broader story
Jesus' declaration as Lord of the Sabbath points to His fulfillment of the Law and His role as the ultimate rest for believers, foreshadowing the new covenant.
Key verses
- Luke 6:1-5
Related passages
- 1 Samuel 21:1-6 (David eating the consecrated bread)
- Matthew 12:1-8 (Parallel account of the Sabbath controversy)
2
Healing on the Sabbath
On another Sabbath, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in the synagogue, challenging the Pharisees' understanding of the Sabbath law.
Theological significance
This healing underscores Jesus' authority to do good on the Sabbath, illustrating God's compassion and the priority of mercy over legalism.
In the broader story
The healing reflects Jesus' mission to restore and bring life, aligning with His redemptive work and the coming of God's kingdom.
Key verses
- Luke 6:6-11
Related passages
- Matthew 12:9-14 (Parallel account of the healing)
- Mark 3:1-6 (Parallel account of the healing)
3
Choosing the Twelve Apostles
Jesus spends a night in prayer and then selects twelve apostles from His disciples, designating them as His special messengers.
Theological significance
The selection of the apostles signifies the establishment of a new community centered around Jesus, reflecting the twelve tribes of Israel and the foundation of the Church.
In the broader story
The apostles play a crucial role in spreading the Gospel and establishing the early Church, continuing Jesus' mission after His ascension.
Key verses
- Luke 6:12-16
Related passages
- Mark 3:13-19 (Choosing the Twelve)
- Acts 1:13 (The apostles in the early Church)
4
The Sermon on the Plain
Jesus delivers a sermon to a large crowd, including blessings and woes, teachings on love for enemies, and instructions on judging others.
Theological significance
This sermon encapsulates the ethics of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing love, mercy, and the reversal of worldly values, calling believers to live counter-culturally.
In the broader story
The teachings align with the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, presenting a vision of life under God's rule and foreshadowing the transformative power of the Gospel.
Key verses
- Luke 6:17-49
Related passages
- Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount)
- Romans 12:14-21 (Love for enemies)

In the order the chapter tells them. The corpus records sequence, not dates — biblical chronology is contested, and this does not take a position on it.

← Read Luke 6 in full

Key Events — Luke 6

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath

Healing on the Sabbath

Choosing the Twelve Apostles

The Sermon on the Plain