## Passage
![[Untitled.svg]]
[[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#Chapter 6|Luke 6,1-45]] One Sabbath while Jesus was going through some grain fields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?" Jesus answered, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? How he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?" Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath."The Man with a Withered Hand On another Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees were watching him to see whether he would cure on the Sabbath, so that they might find grounds to bring an accusation against him. But he knew what they were thinking, and he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come and stand in the middle." He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?" ###### 10 After looking around at all of them, he said to him, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and began discussing with one another what they might do to Jesus. Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: ###### 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, ###### 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon, who was called the Zealot, ###### 16 and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Jesus Teaches and Heals He came down with them and stood on a level place with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And everyone in the crowd was trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them. Blessings and Woes Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. "Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. "Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. "Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. "But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Judging Others "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." He also told them a parable: "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but every disciple who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye but do not notice the log in your own eye? ###### 42 Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye. A Tree and Its Fruit "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil, for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. The Two Foundations "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it quickly collapsed, and great was the ruin of that house." [[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#1|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#2|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#3|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#4|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#5|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#6|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#7|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#8|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#9|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#11|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#12|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#13|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#17|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#18|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#19|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#20|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#21|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#22|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#23|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#24|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#25|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#26|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#27|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#28|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#29|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#30|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#31|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#32|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#33|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#34|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#35|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#36|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#37|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#38|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#39|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#40|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#41|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#43|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#44|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#45|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#46|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#47|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#48|]][[Bible/NRSVUE/Luke/Luke 6#49|]]
### **Comprehensive Scholarly Bible Study of Luke 6 (NRSVUE)**
---
#### **Phase 1: Preliminary Engagement**
1. **Prayer for Insight**:
"Heavenly Father, as I study Luke 6, grant me wisdom and understanding. Open my heart to receive Your truth, and guide my thoughts so that I may grasp the depth of Your Word. Let Your Holy Spirit illuminate the text, revealing its meaning and how it applies to my life. I seek Your guidance and insight to grow closer to You through this study. In Jesus' name, Amen."
2. **Read the Chapter**:
Read Luke 6 multiple times, considering different translations for a deeper understanding.
3. **Title the Chapter**:
"Teachings and Actions of Jesus: Sabbath, Blessings, and Woes."
4. **Identify Key Verses**:
- **Luke 6:5**: "Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’"
- **Luke 6:27-28**: "But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."
- **Luke 6:31**: "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
- **Luke 6:37**: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
- **Luke 6:45**: "The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks."
---
#### **Phase 2: Observational Analysis**
5. **Summarize the Main Themes**:
Luke 6 centers on Jesus' teachings and actions that reveal His authority, especially concerning the Sabbath, the attitudes of His followers, and the ethics of the Kingdom of God. The chapter outlines blessings for the poor and woes for the rich, instructions on loving enemies, and principles for living a godly life. It emphasizes mercy, forgiveness, and the integrity of one’s heart.
**Details to Observe**:
- **Characters**:
- **Jesus**: The central figure who teaches and performs miracles.
- **Pharisees and Scribes**: Religious leaders challenging Jesus, particularly about the Sabbath.
- **Disciples**: Jesus' followers, who are both learners and examples of His teachings.
- **Crowds**: Include people from Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon, seeking healing and teaching.
- **The Man with the Withered Hand**: An individual healed by Jesus, demonstrating His power and compassion.
- **Events**:
- **Sabbath Controversies** (Verses 1-11): Jesus defends His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath and heals a man with a withered hand, challenging Pharisaic interpretations of the law.
- **Choosing the Twelve Apostles** (Verses 12-16): Jesus spends a night in prayer and selects His twelve closest followers.
- **The Sermon on the Plain** (Verses 17-49): A collection of teachings including blessings and woes, love for enemies, and the importance of building one's life on Jesus' teachings.
- **Commands or Instructions**:
- "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (v. 27).
- "Judge not, and you shall not be judged" (v. 37).
- "Forgive, and you shall be forgiven" (v. 37).
- "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (v. 31).
- **Promises**:
- "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (v. 20).
- "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven" (v. 23).
**Describe**:
- **Who**: Jesus, disciples, Pharisees, man with withered hand, crowds.
- **What**: Teachings on love, forgiveness, judgment, and the Sabbath; healing and the calling of apostles.
- **Where**: Various locations including synagogues and the plain.
- **When**: During Jesus’ ministry.
- **Why**: To reveal the nature of God's Kingdom and proper conduct.
- **How**: Through teachings, healings, and interactions with religious leaders.
---
#### **Phase 3: Literary and Contextual Analysis**
**Literary Connections**:
- **Repetition**: The concept of **"blessed"** and **"woe"** (vv. 20-26); **"love your enemies"** is emphasized (vv. 27-36).
- **Continuity**: The flow from **Sabbath controversies** to **ethical teachings** (vv. 1-11 transitioning to vv. 20-49).
- **Contrast**: Between **blessings and woes** (vv. 20-26); **love versus hate** (vv. 27-28).
- **Comparison**: Jesus’ **teaching on the Sabbath** compared to the **Pharisees' understanding** (vv. 1-11).
- **Cause to Effect**: Loving enemies (cause) results in being **children of the Most High** (effect) (vv. 35-36).
- **Effect to Cause**: The reaction of the Pharisees (effect) based on Jesus healing on the Sabbath (cause) (vv. 6-11).
- **Means to End**: Loving enemies is a means to demonstrate one's status as a child of God (v. 35).
- **Logical Conclusion**: "For the measure you give will be the measure you get back" (v. 38).
- **General to Particular**: General commands ("Do to others...") followed by specific examples (vv. 27-38).
- **Particular to General**: Specific examples of behavior (vv. 37-38) leading to the general teaching about the heart (v. 45).
- **Climax**: The culmination of teachings in the parable of the **wise and foolish builders** (vv. 46-49).
- **Preparation or Introduction**: Jesus' **selection of the Twelve Apostles** prepares for His **teachings and actions** (vv. 12-16).
- **Explanation or Illustration**: Parables and teachings illustrate the principles Jesus teaches.
- **Interrogation**: Jesus questions the Pharisees' understanding of the Sabbath (v. 9).
**Contextual Considerations**:
- **Genre**: Gospel narrative, combining historical accounts and didactic teachings.
- **Author**: Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, writing to Theophilus and a broader Gentile audience.
- **Intended Recipients**: Primarily Gentile Christians, with insights applicable to all believers.
- **Geographical or Cultural References**: References to **Sabbath customs** and **Jewish law**; mentions of regions like **Tyre and Sidon**.
- **Direct Cross-References**:
- Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount parallels).
- Deuteronomy 15:4 (Blessed are the poor; kingdom promises).
- **Stated Purposes**: To instruct on the ethical teachings of Jesus and reveal the nature of God's Kingdom.
- **Mood/Tone**: Authoritative yet compassionate; challenging yet hopeful. The chapter conveys a tone of moral and ethical urgency.
---
#### **Phase 4: Interpretive Inquiry**
- **Interpretive Questions**:
- Why does Jesus emphasize mercy and love for enemies?
- What is the significance of choosing the Twelve Apostles in this chapter?
- Why does Luke juxtapose blessings and woes in this way?
- How does the Sabbath controversy illustrate Jesus' authority over the law?
- Why was this collection of teachings (vv. 20-49) included in this format?
- **Answer Interpretive Questions**:
- Jesus emphasizes mercy and love to reflect God’s nature and redefine righteousness beyond legalistic practices (vv. 35-36).
- The choice of the Twelve Apostles signifies the establishment of a new covenant community that would carry forward His mission (vv. 12-16).
- The blessings and woes illustrate the reversal of worldly values in God’s Kingdom (vv. 20-26).
- The Sabbath controversy serves to highlight Jesus' authority and the higher principle of compassion over ritual (vv. 1-11).
- The collection of teachings portrays a comprehensive ethic for kingdom living, emphasizing a transformed heart and life.
- **Central Meaning**:
- **The Author’s MAIN POINT**: Jesus reveals the radical ethics of God’s Kingdom, contrasting human traditions and calling for a heart transformation aligned with divine love and justice.
- **Implications for the Original Hearer/Reader**: Challenged Jewish legalism and opened the message to a broader audience, encouraging them to embrace a new way of living under God's rule.
- **Implications for Today**: Encourages personal transformation, radical love, forgiveness, and a life that reflects God's values, impacting personal, communal, and societal spheres.
---
#### **Application (What Will I Do)?**
**Meditate on**:
- **Sin for me to repent of**: Judgmental attitudes toward others.
- **Promise for me to claim**: God's mercy is
extended to those who show mercy.
- **Example for me to follow**: Loving and forgiving enemies.
- **Error for me to avoid**: Legalistic or hypocritical behavior.
- **Command for me to obey**: "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
- **Knowledge of God to believe**: God is compassionate and calls for a merciful heart.
- **Something to pray about**: For a heart transformed by God's love, free of judgment and full of mercy.
**How Will I Change**:
- **By God’s help I will**: Practice forgiveness in daily interactions, especially with those who have wronged me.
- **I will do it**: Daily, in my conversations and actions, particularly with challenging individuals.
- **I will ask**: A trusted friend or spiritual mentor to hold me accountable.
- **I will act in faith, based on these promises from God**: Relying on God’s grace to extend mercy and love, trusting in His rewards.
---
#### **Spiritual Disciplines**
**Disciplines of Abstinence**:
- **Solitude**: Reflecting on Jesus' time spent in prayer before significant decisions (v. 12).
- **Silence**: Practicing listening to God’s guidance in daily actions.
- **Fasting**: A possible response to Jesus' radical teachings on humility and dependence on God.
**Disciplines of Engagement**:
- **Study**: Reflecting deeply on the Sermon on the Plain, understanding its ethical imperatives.
- **Service**: Applying Jesus' teachings on love and mercy through practical acts of kindness.
- **Prayer**: Continual prayer for strength to live out the teachings of Jesus.
**Inward Disciplines**:
- **Meditation**: Contemplating the deeper meanings of "blessings and woes" and their implications for daily living.
**Outward Disciplines**:
- **Simplicity**: Embracing a life that reflects Jesus' teachings on reliance on God rather than material wealth.
**Hearing God’s Word**:
- **Scripture Memorization**: Committing to memory key verses like Luke 6:31 ("Do to others as you would have them do to you").
**Incarnational Practices**:
- **Visio Divina (Sacred Seeing)**: Visualize and meditate on images of Jesus teaching the crowds, healing on the Sabbath, and demonstrating love for enemies to internalize these truths.
**Meditative Response**:
- Develop practical steps for embodying Jesus' teachings, ensuring accountability through community and personal discipline.
---
#### **Phase 6: Concluding Reflection**
9. **Concluding Prayer**:
"Lord, thank You for the teachings in Luke 6 that challenge us to love, forgive, and live according to Your Kingdom values. Help me to embody these truths in my daily life, showing mercy and grace to those around me. Strengthen my resolve to live out Your commands, and guide me with Your Spirit in all I do. Thank You for Your love and guidance. In Jesus' name, Amen."
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