Bible Study- Gospel According to Luke- Chpt 6:1-19 Lawful to Heal on the Sabbath

Hey everyone, it’s Ryan here. I’m a Bible nerd, and welcome back to our series on the Gospel according to Luke. Today, we’re diving into the 6th chapter. So grab your Bible or your Bible app, and let’s walk through the text together. I’ll be using the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) today. If you’ve been following the podcast, you know I enjoy exploring different translations to check references and footnotes. I’d love to hear about your favorite translations in the comments—what’s your go-to version? I know the New King James Version (NKJV) is widely used, and the New International Version (NIV) is popular for its modern, easy-to-read English.

As I mentioned before, I appreciate the nuances found in various translations. Some people wonder if differences in translation make the text inaccurate or heretical, but I believe the core ideas are still conveyed effectively. Translation is an intricate process that allows us to engage with Scripture in meaningful ways.

Now, let’s jump into Luke Chapter 6. Again, I’ll be reading from the CSB, so it may differ slightly from your version.

Luke 6:1-5 (CSB): On the Sabbath, He passed through the grainfields; His disciples were picking heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus answered them, “Haven’t you read what David and those who were with him did when he was hungry? How he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for anyone but the priests to eat? He even gave some to those who were with him.” Then He told them, “The Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath.”

This is a fascinating story. Jesus often challenges the Pharisees' interpretation of the law, pointing out how far they’ve strayed from its original intent. I find it important to consider both sides of this argument. The priests had a valid concern—they were steeped in their traditions, shaped by the historical context of the Israelites’ struggles and their own responsibilities to uphold the law. Yet, Jesus highlights how their strict adherence had taken things too far.

The act of picking grain wasn’t truly about breaking the Sabbath; it was about survival. The Pharisees perceived even the simplest actions, like rubbing grains together to eat, as work, which is why they were so upset. Their interpretations added layers of restriction on the Sabbath, to the point where even taking a few steps could be considered a violation.

Jesus uses the example of David from 1 Samuel 21, where David, while on a mission for the king, eats the consecrated bread when he’s hungry. This was technically against the law, but it shows that human need takes precedence over ritual adherence. God did not punish David or the priest for this act of necessity, which reinforces Jesus’ point to the Pharisees.

Luke 6:6-11 (CSB): On another Sabbath, He entered the synagogue and was teaching. A man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath so that they could find a charge against Him. But He knew their thoughts and told the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand here.” So he got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” After looking around at them all, He told him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did, and his hand was restored. They, however, were filled with rage and started discussing with one another what they might do to Jesus.

These two stories showcase a powerful contrast. Jesus uses these moments to show that doing good should never be perceived as unlawful—especially not on the Sabbath. The Pharisees missed the miracle unfolding before them due to their rigid adherence to the law, illustrating how misplaced priorities can obscure the greater good.

Luke 6:12-16 (CSB): During those days, He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He summoned His disciples and chose 12 of them, whom He also named apostles: Simon, who is named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot; Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Here, we see the deliberate selection of the apostles—a significant moment in Jesus’ ministry. Luke makes a point to name Judas Iscariot as a reminder of the tragic outcome of his betrayal. This list not only affirms the identity of these foundational figures but also indicates that Jesus was aware of the impending challenges He would face, including betrayal from one of His closest followers.

Luke 6:17-19 (CSB): After coming down with them, He stood on a level place with a large crowd of His disciples and a great number of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. They came to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those tormented by unclean spirits were made well. The whole crowd was trying to touch Him because power was coming out from Him and healing them all.

This passage sets the stage for what is often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain. Here, we see Jesus not only teaching but also engaging with the people by healing them. It is a beautiful depiction of His compassion and authority. Just like the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, this teaching focuses on the values of God’s Kingdom but is delivered in a distinct setting, emphasizing Jesus’ accessibility to the marginalized and the multitude.

Regarding the differences between the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain, I think it's important to recognize that Jesus likely conveyed similar messages in various contexts. Just as comedians or musicians adapt their performances based on the audience, Jesus would have tailored His teachings to each group. Each account may highlight distinct aspects of His message but ultimately conveys similar truths about Kingdom living.

As we continue this journey through Luke, I’m excited to delve into the Beatitudes and the profound teachings Jesus presents.

I truly enjoy putting this series together. Studying Scripture not only enriches my understanding but also serves as a personal devotional experience, and I hope that it brings you inspiration as well. Please engage in the comments, whether about your favorite Bible translations or your thoughts on the passage. I’m looking for consistency in our readings, so if there’s a version that resonates with most people, we can stick to that moving forward.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of God’s Word. May you find inspiration and insight in your own journey through Scripture. May God’s peace fill your day. I’ll see you next time!