Bible Study- Gospel According to Luke- Chpt 6: 20-49 Sermon on the Plain

Hey everyone, Ryan here. Welcome back to our series on the Gospel according to Luke. Today, we’ll be in Chapter 6, starting from the 20th verse. I’ll be reading from the New King James Version (NKJV). As you know from the podcast, I enjoy exploring different translations and commentaries in my preparation. I really love diving deep into the Word, which is why I consider myself a Bible nerd!

If you’re opening your Bible or using a Bible app, please note that the wording may vary slightly from my translation. As we enter this section of Luke, we begin the teachings similar to what we find in Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. I have no problem with variations; in fact, I appreciate how different translations offer unique insights.

I often liken this to attending concerts or comedy shows, where artists sometimes change their performances slightly for different audiences. The essence of the message remains the same, but the delivery may differ based on context or audience. I think the same applies to these Gospel accounts. Maybe Jesus shared similar teachings in various contexts, which is reflected in the differences we see.

Now, let's dive right into the Scripture. Again, we’re in Luke Chapter 6, starting at verse 20:

Luke 6:20-23 (NKJV): "Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples and said: 'Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.'"

Another resource I want to mention is The Bible Project. I’ve been a fan for years and they’ve created an incredible series on the Sermon on the Mount, breaking down various concepts over the course of this year. I highly recommend checking out their podcasts and videos to deepen your understanding of these themes.

Now let's move on to verse 24:

Luke 6:24-26 (NKJV): "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets."

These warnings highlight how good intentions can become corrupted. As C.S. Lewis often illustrates, many evils stem from the misuse of good things. For example, even something as virtuous as going to church can turn into self-righteousness if we aren't careful. It’s essential that we constantly redirect any accolades back to God, acknowledging that He is the source of our abilities and blessings.

Let’s continue reading in verse 27:

Luke 6:27-31 (NKJV): "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you; and from him who takes away your goods, do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."

The Bible Project has provided an insightful breakdown on these concepts, especially concerning cultural norms we may overlook. These verses are often misinterpreted, making some feel guilty or pressured to give up everything. However, the teachings here are about standing firm against injustice. For example, when someone strikes you on one cheek and you offer the other, it’s a powerful statement of defiance rather than submission.

Let’s keep reading, starting at verse 32:

Luke 6:32-36 (NKJV): "But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."

This passage high call to extend love and kindness beyond our immediate circles. We’re encouraged to reflect God’s mercy, showing grace even to those who may not deserve it. Our motivations should be rooted in the incredible grace and mercy we've received from God, not out of obligation or the desire for recognition.

Let’s continue with verse 37, which is often misquoted:

Luke 6:37-38 (NKJV): "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom; for with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

This verse is frequently cited in discussions about judgment, often simplifying the message to “do not judge.” However, it’s vital to read the full context. The core idea is about the criteria we use to judge others. Jesus calls us to a higher standard of self-reflection before pointing out someone else's faults. It's not about a blanket prohibition against all judgment but a reminder to be careful and fair in our assessments of others.

Next, let’s explore verses 39-42:

Luke 6:39-42 (NKJV): "And He spoke a parable to them: 'Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,” when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.'"

Here, Jesus uses striking imagery to convey the importance of self-examination. When we see repetitions like this in Scripture, it emphasizes the significance of the teaching. The term “hypocrite” in the original context referred not just to saying one thing and doing another, but more to doing the right thing for the wrong reasons. Jesus challenges us to be mindful of our flaws before we attempt to correct others.

Let’s finish off the chapter with verses 43-49:

Luke 6:43-49 (NKJV): "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the streams beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the streams beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."

This concluding section draws a powerful analogy between our spiritual foundation and how we live out our faith. A sturdy house built on rock withstands storms, just as our lives must be built on the teachings of Jesus to endure life's challenges. The imagery reinforces the importance of being doers of the Word and not merely hearers.

I hope you find these insights helpful as you reflect on this passage. I thoroughly enjoy going through the Scriptures with you, and I hope you are enjoying this journey as well. Please remember to like, subscribe, and comment on what resonates with you.

As we wrap up, may you find inspiration and insight in your own journey through Scripture. I hope this discussion prompts you to read and engage deeply with these passages. May God's peace fill your day, and we'll see you next time!