Read the Passage: Luke 6:12–49

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Luke 6:12–49

Ministry and Teaching (6:12–26)

Luke 6:12–16 lists the twelve apostles. Parallel lists occur at Matt. 10:2–4; Mark 3:13–19; and Acts 1:13; yet, interestingly, the order of the apostles varies from list to list. From these listings, we can determine that there were three subgroups of four apostles each, with Peter leading the first group, Philip the second, and James the son of Alphaeus the third. Regarding the names of Jesus’ apostles, note the apostle whom Luke calls “Judas the son of James” (Luke 6:16; cf. John 14:22; Acts 1:13) is elsewhere called “Thaddaeus” (Mark 3:18), “Lebbaeus” (Matt. 10:3), and “Judas not Iscariot” (John 14:22). Luke 6:17–19 sets the context for Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:20–49, which is often referred to as Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain or Plateau, for Christ was “on a level place with a crowd” (Luke 6:17). Note it is likely this message is Luke’s rendering of Jesus’ well-known Sermon on the Mount (cf. Matt. 5:1–7:29).

Luke 6:20–25 contains Jesus’ teaching known as the beatitudes. Note the following five observations about the beatitudes. First, a beatitude is a declaration of or prayer about being blessed. Second, whereas Matthew lists eight different beatitudes, Luke gives four beatitudes and four contrasting woes (cf. Matt. 5:1–12). Third, although Matthew reveals the beatitudes using the definite article “the” (e.g., “blessed are the poor”), Luke gives his beatitudes in a more personal manner, as he prefers to use the personal pronoun “you” (e.g., “blessed are you poor”). Fourth, in accord with the economic focus of his Gospel, Luke refers to the materially “poor” and “hungry,” whereas Matthew emphasizes the spiritual aspect of the beatitudes. Fifth, the beatitudes from Matthew that are omitted by Luke are: blessed are the meek, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the pure in heart, and blessed are the peacemakers.

Love and Identity (6:27–36)

In the beatitudes Luke describes or recognizes Christian character (or the lack thereof when He cites the parallel woes). Following the beatitudes, Luke begins to prescribe certain standards for Christian living. Specifically, in Luke 6:27–31 we find instructions for interacting with one’s enemies. In this arresting passage, Jesus teaches that we are to love our enemies, to do them good, to bless those who curse us, to pray for them, to not resist our enemies, and to freely give to all in need. In Luke 6:32–36, Jesus highlights the importance of interacting with our enemies in a Christlike manner as He notes the way sinners interact with each another. Finally, in order to motivate believers, Christ appeals to the example of God the Father, as He teaches, “For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father is also merciful” (Luke 6:35–36).

Judgment and Fruit (6:37–49)

In Luke 6:37–39 Jesus continues His instructions on Kingdom living, as He teaches about righteous judgment, willing forgiveness, and generous giving. Luke 6:39–42, then, contains a parable that expands upon the idea of proper judgment. In this teaching Jesus exhorts His hearers to have a clear understanding of themselves, which will enable them not only to make progress in sanctification, but also to assist their brethren in the same. Here Christ teaches that mature believers will realize their blind state apart from Christ, they will know they are not above Him, and they will interact with others with all humility. Note that Jesus does not say never to make a moral evaluation about another person (cf. Matt. 7:1). Rather, what Christ teaches is that when Christians properly view themselves as being dependent on Him, they will then be able to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

In Luke 6:43–45 Jesus teaches about the fruit of one’s life, by which He means the words, products, yield, consequences, heritage, and even aftermath of one’s life. Christ’s teaching here is fairly simple, as He says, “For every tree is known by its own fruit” (Luke 6:44). Said differently, you can tell what kind of tree is in view by the fruit being produced. By way of illustration, Jesus teaches that the difference between a good and evil man is evident, “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Luke records another parable of Jesus in Luke 6:46–49. Here, in the so-called parable of the two foundations, Christ illustrates His earlier instructions about fruit by comparing the reception of His teaching to someone who builds their house upon a rock. Such a firm foundation, observes Jesus, will enable the house to withstand various trials.

Application Questions:

1. As you’ve read and been exposed to the Gospels in your Christian life, what is the most memorable teaching of Jesus?
2. How can we explain differing renderings of the same events and teachings in the various Gospels?
3. Why does Luke omit four of the beatitudes that are found in Matthew? Why does Luke include four woes that Matthew omits?
4. Which of Jesus’ teachings about interacting with your enemies is most challenging to you?
5. Why do many people bristle at the idea of being judged by another? What is the difference between righteous and unrighteous judgment?