Luke 6
BSB1 One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them. 2 But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" 3 Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat." 5 Then Jesus declared, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." 6 On another Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and stand among us.” So he got up and stood there. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?" 10 And after looking around at all of them, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and it was restored. 11 But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. 12 In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. 13 When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: 14 Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 17 Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those troubled by unclean spirits were healed. 19 The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all. 20 Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way. 24 But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers treated the false prophets in the same way. 27 But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." 39 Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? 42 How can you say, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while you yourself fail to see the beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 43 No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. Indeed, figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes from brambles. 45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. 46 Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears My words and does not act on them is like a man who built his house on ground without a foundation. The torrent crashed against that house, and immediately it fell—and great was its destruction!"
Study Notes — Luke 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 6
- Themes from Luke 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Luke chapter 6 begins with Jesus and his disciples walking through a grainfield on the Sabbath, prompting a confrontation with the Pharisees about Sabbath observance (Luke 6:1-5). Jesus then chooses the twelve apostles, including Peter, John, and Judas (Luke 6:12-16). The chapter also includes the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about loving one's enemies, giving to those in need, and judging others (Luke 6:27-38). Additionally, Jesus heals a centurion's servant and raises a widow's son from the dead, demonstrating his power and compassion (Luke 6:6-11, 17-26). The chapter concludes with Jesus' teachings on the importance of putting his words into practice (Luke 6:43-49).
Context for the Chapter
Luke chapter 6 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry, which is described in the Gospels. The chapter follows Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath and his interactions with the Pharisees, and precedes his teachings on the importance of faith and discipleship. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with humanity and his plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
As we read through Luke chapter 6, we are reminded of the importance of living out our faith in practical ways. We are called to love our enemies, treat others with kindness and respect, and put Jesus' teachings into practice in our daily lives. May we be challenged to examine our own hearts and actions, and may we seek to follow Jesus' example of compassion, wisdom, and authority.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Luke chapter 6 describes Jesus' ministry and teachings, emphasizing the importance of loving one's enemies, treating others with kindness and respect, and putting one's faith into practice. As we read through this chapter, we are reminded of Jesus' authority, compassion, and wisdom, and we are called to follow his example in our own lives. For example, in Luke 6:27-38, Jesus teaches about the importance of loving one's enemies and treating others with kindness and respect.
Voices from the Church
“The Sabbath is a day of rest, but it is also a day of worship and service to God. As Christians, we are called to observe the Sabbath in a way that honors God and promotes our own spiritual growth.”
— John Calvin
“Faith without works is dead, and works without faith are useless. As Christians, we are called to put our faith into practice, demonstrating our love for God and our commitment to his teachings.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Jesus and the Sabbath (Luke 6:1-5) — Jesus and his disciples are confronted by the Pharisees about their observance of the Sabbath, highlighting Jesus' authority and power as the Lord of the Sabbath.
- The Choice of the Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12-16) — Jesus chooses the twelve apostles, including Peter, John, and Judas, to be his closest followers and to help spread his teachings.
- The Sermon on the Mount (Luke 6:17-26) — Jesus teaches about the importance of loving one's enemies, treating others with kindness and respect, and putting one's faith into practice.
- Jesus' Teachings on Ethics and Moral Behavior (Luke 6:27-38) — Jesus emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith in practical ways, demonstrating his emphasis on ethics and moral behavior.
- The Importance of Putting Jesus' Teachings into Practice (Luke 6:43-49) — Jesus teaches about the importance of putting his words into practice, highlighting the need for faith and obedience in the Christian life.
Core Doctrines
- The Authority of Christ
- This chapter teaches that Jesus has authority over the Sabbath and all of creation, demonstrating his power and wisdom as the Son of God.
- The Importance of Faith in Action
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of putting one's faith into practice, demonstrating Jesus' emphasis on ethics and moral behavior.
- The Love of God
- Jesus' teachings on loving one's enemies and treating others with kindness and respect highlight the love of God and the importance of living out this love in practical ways.
- The Wisdom of God
- Jesus' interactions with various individuals and groups demonstrate his wisdom and compassion, highlighting his character and nature as the Son of God.
Lessons from Luke 6
- The Importance of Loving One's Enemies — Jesus teaches that loving one's enemies is a key aspect of living out one's faith, demonstrating his emphasis on ethics and moral behavior.
- The Need for Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of putting one's faith into practice, highlighting the need for faith and obedience in the Christian life.
- The Authority and Power of Christ — Jesus' interactions with various individuals and groups demonstrate his authority and power, highlighting his divinity and lordship.
- The Importance of Treating Others with Kindness and Respect — Jesus teaches that treating others with kindness and respect is a key aspect of living out one's faith, demonstrating his emphasis on ethics and moral behavior.
- The Wisdom and Compassion of Christ — Jesus' interactions with various individuals and groups demonstrate his wisdom and compassion, highlighting his character and nature as the Son of God.
Themes from Luke 6
- The Kingdom of God — The chapter teaches about the kingdom of God and Jesus' role as its king, highlighting the importance of living out one's faith in practical ways.
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of putting one's faith into practice, highlighting the need for faith and obedience in the Christian life.
- The Love and Wisdom of God — Jesus' teachings on loving one's enemies and treating others with kindness and respect highlight the love and wisdom of God, demonstrating his character and nature as the Son of God.
- The Authority and Power of Christ — Jesus' interactions with various individuals and groups demonstrate his authority and power, highlighting his divinity and lordship.
- The Importance of Living Out One's Faith — The chapter teaches about the importance of living out one's faith in practical ways, demonstrating Jesus' emphasis on ethics and moral behavior.
Questions for Meditation
- How does Jesus' teaching on the Sabbath challenge traditional interpretations of the law?
- What does Jesus' choice of the twelve apostles reveal about his ministry and mission?
- How does Jesus' teaching on loving one's enemies relate to his own example and character?
- What does the chapter teach about the importance of putting one's faith into practice?
- How does Jesus' authority and power demonstrate his divinity and lordship?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Jesus and the Sabbath (Luke 6:1-5)
| Luke 6:1 | Jesus and his disciples are walking through a grainfield on the Sabbath, prompting a confrontation with the Pharisees about their observance of the day. |
| Luke 6:2 | The Pharisees accuse Jesus and his disciples of breaking the Sabbath, highlighting their strict interpretation of the law. |
2. The Choice of the Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12-16)
| Luke 6:12 | Jesus chooses the twelve apostles, including Peter, John, and Judas, to be his closest followers and to help spread his teachings. |
| Luke 6:13 | Jesus names the twelve apostles, highlighting their importance in his ministry and mission. |
3. The Sermon on the Mount (Luke 6:17-26)
| Luke 6:17 | Jesus teaches about the importance of loving one's enemies and treating others with kindness and respect. |
| Luke 6:18 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of putting one's faith into practice, highlighting the need for faith and obedience in the Christian life. |
4. Jesus' Teachings on Ethics and Moral Behavior (Luke 6:27-38)
| Luke 6:27 | Jesus teaches about the importance of loving one's enemies and treating others with kindness and respect. |
| Luke 6:28 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of blessing those who curse us and praying for those who mistreat us. |
5. The Importance of Putting Jesus' Teachings into Practice (Luke 6:43-49)
| Luke 6:43 | Jesus teaches about the importance of putting his words into practice, highlighting the need for faith and obedience in the Christian life. |
| Luke 6:44 | Jesus emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith in practical ways, demonstrating his emphasis on ethics and moral behavior. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Sabbath in Luke chapter 6?
The Sabbath is significant in Luke chapter 6 because it highlights Jesus' authority and power as the Lord of the Sabbath, and demonstrates his willingness to challenge traditional interpretations of the law (Luke 6:1-5).
Why did Jesus choose the twelve apostles?
Jesus chose the twelve apostles to be his closest followers and to help spread his teachings, highlighting their importance in his ministry and mission (Luke 6:12-16).
What is the main theme of the Sermon on the Mount in Luke chapter 6?
The main theme of the Sermon on the Mount in Luke chapter 6 is the importance of loving one's enemies and treating others with kindness and respect, demonstrating Jesus' emphasis on ethics and moral behavior (Luke 6:27-38).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 6:1 → Matthew 12:1-8 | Both Luke 6:1 and Matthew 12:1-8 describe Jesus and his disciples walking through a grainfield on the Sabbath, prompting a confrontation with the Pharisees about their observance of the day. |
| 2 | Luke 6:12 → Mark 3:13-19 | Both Luke 6:12 and Mark 3:13-19 describe Jesus choosing the twelve apostles, including Peter, John, and Judas, to be his closest followers and to help spread his teachings. |
| 3 | Luke 6:17 → Matthew 5:1-12 | Both Luke 6:17 and Matthew 5:1-12 describe Jesus teaching about the importance of loving one's enemies and treating others with kindness and respect, highlighting the importance of living out one's faith in practical ways. |
| 4 | Luke 6:27 → Leviticus 19:18 | Both Luke 6:27 and Leviticus 19:18 emphasize the importance of loving one's neighbors and treating others with kindness and respect. |
| 5 | Luke 6:31 → Matthew 7:12 | This verse is a key teaching of Jesus on the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, and is connected to the broader biblical theme of loving one's neighbors. |
| 6 | Luke 6:35 → Psalm 37:4 | Both Luke 6:35 and Psalm 37:4 emphasize the importance of trusting in God and seeking his kingdom, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in the Christian life. |
| 7 | Luke 6:38 → Proverbs 11:24-25 | Both Luke 6:38 and Proverbs 11:24-25 emphasize the importance of giving generously and trusting in God's provision, highlighting the importance of living out one's faith in practical ways. |
| 8 | Luke 6:43 → Matthew 7:15-20 | Both Luke 6:43 and Matthew 7:15-20 emphasize the importance of putting one's faith into practice, highlighting the need for faith and obedience in the Christian life. |
| 9 | Luke 6:46 → John 14:15 | Both Luke 6:46 and John 14:15 emphasize the importance of loving and obeying Jesus, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in the Christian life. |
| 10 | Luke 6:49 → Ezekiel 13:10-16 | Both Luke 6:49 and Ezekiel 13:10-16 emphasize the importance of building a strong foundation and trusting in God's provision, highlighting the importance of living out one's faith in practical ways. |
Sermons on Luke 6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The False Gospel of Prosperity by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the dire state of the world, with one billion people near starvation and millions unemployed. He emphasizes the persecution faced by God's c |
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Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t |
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The Inner Life of the Preacher by Gbile Akanni | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the personal inner life of a minister in bringing about revival. He highlights how Jesus took extra attention to prepare hi |
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Don't Forget by William Booth | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively helping those in need, rather than simply offering prayers or advice. The speaker encourages the audience to take |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 2 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being anointed by God to preach the word. He highlights the brokenness and suffering in the world and the need for God's h |
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Christless Pentecost - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. He challenges the audience to prioritize seeking Christ in prayer, suggesting that even |
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Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - Part 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Acts 1:4-8 and emphasizes the importance of waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He mentions that although some may already feel they hav |
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(Pdf Book) My All for Him / 5 Chapters by Basilea Schlink | Basilea Schlink emphasizes the necessity of 'first love' for Jesus, which is crucial for enduring the trials of our time. This love, akin to 'bridal love,' is a powerful force that |
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How God Taught Me to Give by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of how God led him to give towards missions. He recounts his experience of becoming the pastor of a church that held an annu |
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(I Want an Answer) Does It Matter How We Live? by Stephen Olford | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of how a person lives and builds their life. He uses the parable of the wise man who built his house on the rock and the fool |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 6
In Luke chapter 6, Jesus demonstrates his authority and power as the Lord of the Sabbath, and teaches about the importance of loving one's enemies and treating others with kindness and respect. The chapter emphasizes the importance of putting one's faith into practice, highlighting the need for faith and obedience in the Christian life. As Matthew Henry notes, 'Christ's disciples must be prepared to suffer, and to suffer patiently, for his sake, and for the sake of his gospel.' The chapter concludes with Jesus' teachings on the importance of building a strong foundation and trusting in God's provision, highlighting the importance of living out one's faith in practical ways. Throughout the chapter, Jesus' character and nature are revealed, demonstrating his wisdom, compassion, and authority as the Son of God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees
Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees reveal his authority and power, as well as his willingness to challenge traditional interpretations of the law.
The importance of faith in action
The chapter emphasizes the importance of putting one's faith into practice, demonstrating Jesus' emphasis on ethics and moral behavior.
Jesus' compassion and wisdom
Jesus' interactions with various individuals and groups demonstrate his compassion and wisdom, highlighting his character and nature as the Son of God.









