The Lord of the Sabbath 1One Sabbatha Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them. 2But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” 3Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4He entered the house of God, took the consecrated breadb and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.” 5Then Jesus declared, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Jesus Heals on the Sabbath 6On another Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He would heal on the Sabbath. 8But 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. 9Then 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?” 10And after looking around at all of them, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and it was restored. 11But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. The Twelve Apostles 12In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. 13When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: 14Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot; 16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Jesus Heals the Multitudes 17Then 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 seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. 18They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those troubled by unclean spirits were healed. 19The entire crowd was trying to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all. The Beatitudes 20Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, 22Blessed 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. 23Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way. Woes to the Satisfied 24But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, 26Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers treated the false prophets in the same way. Love Your Enemies 27But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If 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. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. 34And 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. 35But 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. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Judging Others 37Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, 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.” 39Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? 42How can you say, ‘Brother,c 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. A Tree and Its Fruit 43No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44For each tree is known by its own fruit. Indeed, figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes from brambles. 45The 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. The House on the Rock 46Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: 48He 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.d 49But 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!” Footnotes: 1 a BYZ and TR On the second Sabbath after the first 4 b Or the Bread of the Presence 42 c Literally How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother 48 d BYZ and TR because its foundation was on the rock; see Matthew 7:25. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Luke 6 Summary The Lord of the SabbathVerses 1–5 – Lord of the Sabbath Verses 6–11 – Healing a Withered Hand on the Sabbath Verses 12–16 – Calling the Twelve Apostles Verses 17–19 – Teaching and Healing on a Level Place Verses 20–26 – Blessings and Woes Verses 27–36 – Love Your Enemies Verses 37–42 – Judging and Forgiving Verses 43–45 – Trees and Hearts Verses 46–49 – Building on the Rock Luke 6 presents a thought-provoking clash of values and principles as Jesus redefines the understanding of the Sabbath, the essence of love, and the nature of judgement. It is a chapter filled with teachings that provoke introspection and challenge conventional religious norms, including the famous "Sermon on the Plain." Background on the Sabbath Controversies First-century rabbis listed thirty-nine classes of work forbidden on the Sabbath (m. Shabbat 7:2). Reaping and threshing were among them; plucking grain and rubbing it in the hand could be labeled both. Jesus shows that human need outweighs ceremonial restriction, citing 1 Samuel 21:6 where David ate the holy bread. By placing Himself above the Sabbath He silently claims authority equal to God who instituted it (Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11). Jesus and His Use of Scripture – Luke 6:3–4 quotes history to justify mercy. – He frames the issue with a question (v 9), similar to Hosea 6:6, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” – Throughout Luke, Jesus models how to interpret Scripture with Scripture (Luke 4:4, 8, 12). The Twelve Apostles: Profiles and Mission List from Luke 6:14–16: 1. Simon (Peter) – fisherman, outspoken leader (Acts 2). 2. Andrew – Peter’s brother, known for introducing people to Jesus (John 1:40–42). 3. James – son of Zebedee, later martyred (Acts 12:2). 4. John – “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” author of a Gospel and Revelation. 5. Philip – from Bethsaida, brings Nathanael (John 1:45). 6. Bartholomew – likely Nathanael; tradition places him in Armenia. 7. Matthew – tax collector, author of the first Gospel. 8. Thomas – honest doubter turned bold evangelist (John 20:28). 9. James son of Alphaeus – “James the Less.” 10. Simon the Zealot – once politically radical, now kingdom-focused. 11. Judas son of James – called Thaddaeus elsewhere. 12. Judas Iscariot – treasurer who betrays Jesus (Luke 22:3–6). Their varied backgrounds underscore grace: fishermen, bureaucrat, revolutionary sitting at one table (Ephesians 2:14-16). The Level Place and Galilean Geography Luke speaks of a “level place” (v 17) while Matthew speaks of a mountain (Matthew 5:1). Hills surround the Sea of Galilee; natural terraces create both settings. Ancient pilgrims identify a broad plateau near modern Tabgha where crowds could assemble. The geography demonstrates that Jesus meets people where they are—both on heights and on level ground. Beatitudes and Woes: Reversal of Values Luke’s four blessings center on tangible need—poverty, hunger, sorrow, rejection—mirroring Isaiah 61:1–2. The matching woes warn the comfortable that earthly ease may mask spiritual lack. The rhythm echoes Mary’s song (Luke 1:52–53) and the prophets’ calls for justice (Amos 6:1–7). Love for Enemies: Practical Outworking Key commands (vv 27-36): – Love (act for their good) – Do good (visible kindness) – Bless (speak well) – Pray (lift to God) Cross-references: – Proverbs 25:21–22 – feeding an enemy heaps burning coals of conviction. – Romans 12:14, 20–21 – Paul echoes Jesus verbatim. Jesus roots the lifestyle in God’s character: “He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (v 35). Acting this way shows family resemblance to “sons of the Most High.” Generosity, Judgment, and the Golden Rule Verses 37-38 line up with Matthew 7:1–2 but Luke adds the picture of filled, shaken grain—known from market life—overflowing into a loose outer garment. The principle: what you measure out returns increased. Forgiveness invites forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). Stinginess invites want (Proverbs 11:24). Parables of Sight, Fruit, and Foundations – Blind guides (vv 39-40) warn teachers to learn before leading (Psalm 119:18). – Speck and beam (vv 41-42) tackle hypocrisy in daily relationships. – Tree and fruit (vv 43-45) connect inner life and words; compare Galatians 5:22-23. – House on rock or sand (vv 46-49) parallels Matthew 7:24-27 and foreshadows coming judgment (1 Corinthians 3:13). The flood image taps into Genesis 6–9 and Psalm 32:6. Archaeological and Cultural Insights – Galilean grainfields were public right-of-way; Deuteronomy 23:25 allowed travelers to hand-pick. – First-century synagogues unearthed at Gamla and Magdala show a central seating area where a man with a withered hand could stand in full view. – Typical stone houses had shallow foundations on packed earth. Builders could “dig down” to the underlying bedrock in some locations; others took shortcuts, explaining Jesus’ vivid contrast. – Coin finds with images from Tyre and Sidon in Galilee back Luke’s mention of coastal visitors (v 17). Threads through the Rest of the Bible – Lord of the Sabbath: Hebrews 4:9-10 shows Jesus as the final rest. – Choice of twelve mirrors Israel’s twelve tribes (Exodus 24:4; Revelation 21:12-14). – Blessings and curses echo Deuteronomy 28. – Love for enemies fulfills Leviticus 19:18’s call to love neighbor, stretching “neighbor” to include foes. – The overflowing measure points to God’s lavish grace (Malachi 3:10; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8). – Building on rock ties to Isaiah 28:16, “a tested stone, a precious cornerstone.” Those who trust stand firm. Luke 6 calls every listener to move from hearing to doing, from surface religion to deep obedience, from self-focus to neighbor-love, standing sturdy when the waters rise. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 5:3-12The Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount, offering a parallel to Luke's account. Romans 12:14-21 Paul's exhortation to bless those who persecute you and overcome evil with good. James 1:22-25 The importance of being doers of the word, not just hearers. Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit, which aligns with the good fruit Jesus speaks of. Teaching Points The Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23)Jesus begins with blessings for the poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted, emphasizing the values of the Kingdom of God. Woes to the Self-Satisfied (Luke 6:24-26) A warning to those who find comfort in wealth, fullness, laughter, and human approval, highlighting the temporary nature of worldly satisfaction. Love for Enemies (Luke 6:27-36) Jesus calls us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and be merciful, just as our Father is merciful. Judging Others (Luke 6:37-42) A caution against hypocrisy and the importance of self-examination before judging others. A Tree and Its Fruit (Luke 6:43-45) The principle that a good tree produces good fruit, illustrating that our actions reflect our hearts. The Wise and Foolish Builders (Luke 6:46-49) A parable emphasizing the importance of not just hearing Jesus' words but putting them into practice. Practical Applications Embrace Kingdom ValuesReflect on how you can embody the Beatitudes in your daily life, prioritizing spiritual richness over material wealth. Practice Radical Love Identify ways to show love and kindness to those who may not reciprocate, following Jesus' example of loving enemies. Cultivate Mercy Seek opportunities to extend mercy and forgiveness, remembering God's mercy towards you. Self-Reflection Regularly examine your own heart and actions before passing judgment on others. Bear Good Fruit Focus on nurturing a heart aligned with Christ, knowing that your actions will naturally follow. Build on the Rock Commit to not only hearing but also applying Jesus' teachings in your life, ensuring a strong foundation. People 1. JesusThe central figure in the chapter, Jesus is depicted as teaching, healing, and challenging the religious leaders of His time. He is referred to as "the Son of Man" (Luke 6:5), emphasizing His messianic role and authority. 2. The Disciples These are the followers of Jesus who accompany Him throughout His ministry. In this chapter, they are seen picking grain on the Sabbath (Luke 6:1) and later, Jesus selects twelve of them as apostles (Luke 6:13). 3. The Pharisees A group of Jewish religious leaders who are often in opposition to Jesus. In Luke 6, they question Jesus about His disciples' actions on the Sabbath and seek to accuse Him (Luke 6:2, 7). 4. The Man with the Withered Hand This individual is healed by Jesus on the Sabbath, which further incites the Pharisees' anger (Luke 6:6, 10). 5. The Twelve Apostles Specifically named in Luke 6:14-16 , they include Simon (Peter) Often considered the leader of the apostles. Andrew Brother of Simon Peter. James Son of Zebedee. John Brother of James. Philip One of the early followers of Jesus. Bartholomew Also known as Nathanael in other Gospel accounts. Matthew The tax collector, also known as Levi. Thomas Known for his initial doubt about Jesus' resurrection. James son of Alphaeus Sometimes referred to as James the Less. Simon called the Zealot Known for his zealous nature. Judas son of James Also known as Thaddaeus or Jude. Judas Iscariot The apostle who would later betray Jesus. 6. A Large Crowd of Disciples and a Great Multitude of People These are the individuals who come to hear Jesus and to be healed of their diseases (Luke 6:17-19). In this chapter, the interactions between Jesus, His disciples, and the Pharisees highlight the tension between Jesus' teachings and the established religious norms of the time. The selection of the twelve apostles marks a significant moment in Jesus' ministry, as these individuals are chosen to carry forward His mission. Places 1. GrainfieldsThe chapter begins with Jesus and His disciples walking through grainfields on the Sabbath (Luke 6:1). While not a specific location, this setting is significant as it sets the stage for the discussion on Sabbath observance. The Greek term used here is "σπορίμων" (sporimōn), indicating cultivated fields. 2. Synagogue Jesus enters a synagogue, where He heals a man with a withered hand (Luke 6:6). Synagogues were central places of worship and community gathering for Jews. The Greek word "συναγωγή" (synagōgē) is used, meaning a gathering place or assembly. 3. Mountain Jesus goes up on a mountain to pray and later appoints His twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). Mountains are often depicted as places of prayer and divine encounter in the Bible. The Greek term "ὄρος" (oros) is used, which simply means a mountain or hill. 4. Level Place After coming down from the mountain, Jesus stands on a level place where a large crowd gathers to hear Him and be healed (Luke 6:17). This setting is significant for the delivery of what is often referred to as the "Sermon on the Plain." The Greek term "πεδινός" (pedinos) is used, meaning a flat or level area. Events 1. Disciples Pluck Grain on the SabbathThe disciples of Jesus pluck heads of grain on the Sabbath, which leads to a confrontation with the Pharisees. Jesus responds by referencing David's actions and declares, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Luke 6:5). The Greek term "κύριος" (kyrios) emphasizes Jesus' authority over the Sabbath. 2. Healing of the Man with a Withered Hand On another Sabbath, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand in the synagogue. The Pharisees watch closely, seeking to accuse Him. Jesus asks, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?" (Luke 6:9). The healing demonstrates Jesus' authority and compassion. 3. Choosing of the Twelve Apostles Jesus spends a night in prayer on a mountain and then selects twelve apostles from His disciples. These apostles are named in Luke 6:14-16, including Peter, James, John, and Judas Iscariot. The Greek term "ἀπόστολος" (apostolos) means "one who is sent," indicating their mission. 4. Sermon on the Plain Jesus delivers a sermon to a large crowd, which includes the Beatitudes and teachings on love for enemies, judging others, and the importance of bearing good fruit. Key teachings include, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20) and "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27). 5. Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders Jesus concludes His sermon with a parable about two builders, emphasizing the importance of putting His words into practice. He states, "Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like" (Luke 6:47). The Greek word "ποιέω" (poieo) means "to do" or "to act," highlighting the necessity of action in faith. Topics 1. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6:1-5)This passage describes an event where Jesus and His disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, leading to a confrontation with the Pharisees. Jesus declares, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Luke 6:5), emphasizing His authority over traditional Sabbath laws. The Greek term "κύριος" (kyrios) is used for "Lord," indicating supreme authority. 2. Healing on the Sabbath (Luke 6:6-11) Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' understanding of lawful Sabbath activities. The Greek word "θεραπεύω" (therapeuō) is used for "heal," highlighting Jesus' power to restore and His prioritization of mercy over ritual. 3. Choosing the Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12-16) Jesus spends a night in prayer before selecting His twelve apostles. This underscores the importance of prayerful decision-making. The term "ἀπόστολος" (apostolos) means "one who is sent," indicating their role as messengers of Christ. 4. Blessings and Woes (Luke 6:17-26) In this section, Jesus delivers a series of blessings and woes, contrasting the values of the kingdom of God with worldly values. The Greek word "μακάριος" (makarios) is used for "blessed," conveying a state of spiritual well-being and favor with God. 5. Love for Enemies (Luke 6:27-36) Jesus teaches radical love, instructing His followers to love their enemies and do good to those who hate them. The Greek word "ἀγαπάω" (agapaō) is used for "love," denoting selfless, unconditional love. 6. Judging Others (Luke 6:37-42) This passage warns against hypocritical judgment and emphasizes forgiveness and self-examination. The Greek term "κρίνω" (krinō) is used for "judge," suggesting discernment rather than condemnation. 7. A Tree and Its Fruit (Luke 6:43-45) Jesus uses the metaphor of a tree and its fruit to illustrate that a person's actions reflect their true character. The Greek word "καρπός" (karpos) for "fruit" symbolizes the visible outcomes of one's inner nature. 8. The Wise and Foolish Builders (Luke 6:46-49) Jesus concludes with a parable about building on a solid foundation, emphasizing the importance of putting His words into practice. The Greek word "θεμέλιος" (themelios) for "foundation" signifies stability and strength in one's life through obedience to Christ. Themes 1. Sabbath Observance and Lordship of ChristIn Luke 6:1-5, Jesus addresses the Pharisees' criticism of His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath. He declares, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Luke 6:5). This theme emphasizes Jesus' authority over traditional interpretations of the Law, highlighting His divine lordship and the principle that mercy and human need take precedence over ritualistic observance. 2. Healing and Doing Good on the Sabbath In Luke 6:6-11, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' legalism. He asks, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?" (Luke 6:9). This theme underscores the priority of compassion and the spirit of the Law over rigid adherence to rules. 3. Choosing the Twelve Apostles Luke 6:12-16 describes Jesus spending a night in prayer before selecting His twelve apostles. This theme highlights the importance of prayerful decision-making and the foundational role of the apostles in the early Church. 4. Blessings and Woes In Luke 6:20-26, Jesus presents a series of blessings and woes, contrasting the values of the Kingdom of God with worldly values. "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20) and "Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort" (Luke 6:24) illustrate the reversal of fortunes in God's Kingdom. 5. Love for Enemies Jesus teaches radical love and forgiveness in Luke 6:27-36, instructing His followers to "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27). This theme emphasizes the transformative power of love and mercy, reflecting God's character. 6. Judging Others In Luke 6:37-42, Jesus warns against judgmental attitudes, saying, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged" (Luke 6:37). This theme calls for self-examination and humility, encouraging believers to extend grace rather than condemnation. 7. A Tree and Its Fruit Luke 6:43-45 uses the metaphor of a tree and its fruit to illustrate the connection between one's heart and actions. "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). This theme stresses the importance of inner transformation and integrity. 8. The Wise and Foolish Builders In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders, emphasizing the necessity of putting His words into practice. "But the one who hears My words and does not act on them is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation" (Luke 6:49). This theme highlights the importance of obedience and the stability it brings to one's life. Answering Tough Questions 1. (Luke 6:1–5) How can Jesus justify breaking Sabbath rules, allegedly set by God, by appealing to David’s actions? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Jesus' handling of the Sabbath controversies challenge conventional religious thinking of His time? 2. What significance can we glean from Jesus spending the night in prayer before choosing the Twelve Apostles? 3. How do the Beatitudes and Woes in the "Sermon on the Plain" challenge societal norms and values? 4. In what ways does Jesus' teaching on loving enemies challenge us in our current society? 5. What lessons do we learn from Jesus' teaching about judging others and its application in our everyday life? 6. How does Jesus' analogy of the tree and its fruit apply to our personal lives? 7. How do we understand and apply the teachings of the "Wise and Foolish Builders" parable in our lives? 8. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "Lord of the Sabbath," and how does this understanding influence our view of Jesus and the Sabbath? 9. How do Jesus' teachings in this chapter inform our understanding of discipleship? 10. How does Jesus' teaching about love and mercy redefine the concept of "an eye for an eye"? 11. How does Jesus' warning against judging others affect our interactions with people who have different beliefs or practices? 12. How can we produce good fruit in our lives, as Jesus encourages us to? 13. What is the role of prayer in decision-making, as exemplified by Jesus before choosing the Twelve Apostles? 14. How do we reconcile worldly success with the Beatitudes and Woes? 15. How does the concept of loving our enemies apply to the global context, especially concerning war and peace? 16. How can we apply the teaching on not judging others in our digital age, particularly in relation to social media? 17. How does the "Wise and Foolish Builders" parable inspire us to act on Jesus' teachings? 18. How can we cultivate a heart that produces good fruit, according to Jesus' teaching? 19. In light of the "Sermon on the Plain," how should Christian communities address issues of wealth and poverty, happiness and sorrow, reputation and dishonor? 20. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are not only hearing Jesus' words but also acting on them, thus building our lives on a solid foundation? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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