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." Give, and it will be given to you.Jesus calls His disciples to a life marked by open-handed generosity, mercy, and trust in the Father’s provision. The surrounding teaching forbids harsh judgment and commands forgiveness, showing that giving includes more than material possessions. God sees and honors those who freely serve others, yet His promise is not a formula for earthly wealth. Proverbs 11:25 likewise teaches that the one who refreshes others will be refreshed, because generosity reflects the character of the God who gives abundantly. 2Co 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap… A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over The picture comes from a marketplace measure filled with grain. A fair seller would press the contents down and shake the container so that every empty space was filled; an overflowing measure went beyond ordinary expectation. God’s generosity toward His people is never stingy. He supplies grace, mercy, and provision according to His wisdom, often using His people as instruments of blessing to one another. Psa 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.… will be poured into your lap. Outer garments commonly had a fold above the belt that could be gathered into a pouch for carrying grain or other goods. An overflowing measure poured into that fold portrayed a supply too abundant to be held in the hands. The Lord’s blessings are personal and purposeful, enabling His people not merely to receive but also to continue giving. Rut 3:15 And he told her, “Bring the shawl you are wearing… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” The standard a person employs toward others reveals the condition of the heart and invites God’s corresponding discipline or blessing. Those who deal mercifully, generously, and honestly should expect the Lord’s gracious care; those who judge harshly or withhold compassion will face the same standard. Galatians 6:7–10 affirms the enduring principle that people reap what they sow, while Christ directs His followers to sow mercy in confidence that God is faithful. Mat 7:2 For with the same judgment you pronounce,… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, delivering a sermon that includes teachings on love, mercy, and judgment. 2. Disciples and Followers The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, including this verse, which is part of the Sermon on the Plain. 3. The Sermon on the Plain A significant teaching moment in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus addresses a large crowd, offering guidance on living a life that reflects God's kingdom values. Teaching Points Principle of GenerosityJesus teaches that giving is not just a command but a principle that brings blessings. The imagery of "pressed down, shaken together, and running over" illustrates abundance and overflow. Reciprocity in God's Kingdom The measure we use in giving—whether in resources, time, or love—will be the measure returned to us. This principle encourages self-reflection on how we treat others. Heart Attitude in Giving The original Greek word for "measure" (metron) suggests a standard or rule. Our standard of giving should reflect God's generosity, not human limitations. Practical Generosity This teaching encourages believers to practice generosity in everyday life, trusting that God will provide and bless abundantly. Spiritual and Material Blessings While the verse speaks to material giving, it also applies to spiritual generosity—sharing love, forgiveness, and grace with others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the principle of "measure for measure" challenge your current approach to giving and generosity?2. In what ways can you apply the concept of "pressed down, shaken together, and running over" in your relationships and community involvement? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's abundant return on your generosity. How did it impact your faith? 4. How do the additional scriptures (Matthew 7:2, Proverbs 11:25, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Galatians 6:7) deepen your understanding of Luke 6:38? 5. What practical steps can you take this week to embody the generosity Jesus describes in this verse? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 7:2This verse parallels Luke 6:38, emphasizing the principle of reciprocity in judgment and generosity. Proverbs 11:25 Highlights the blessing of generosity, stating that a generous person will prosper and be refreshed. 2 Corinthians 9:6 Paul echoes the principle of sowing and reaping, encouraging believers to give generously. Galatians 6:7 Reinforces the idea that a person reaps what they sow, applicable to both actions and attitudes.
People Alphaeus, Andrew, Bartholomew, David, James, Jesus, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thomas, ZelotesPlaces Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Sidon, TyreTopics Bestowed, Bosom, Crushed, Full, Gifts, Lap, Laps, Measure, Measured, Measure-pressed, Mete, Pour, Poured, Pressed, Return, Running, Shaken, Standard, WithalDictionary of Bible Themes Luke 6:38 1330 God, the provider 6126 condemnation, human 2042 Christ, justice of Library Laws of the Kingdom'And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God, 21. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture Three Condensed Parables Our Deserts Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity The Blessing of Mercy, Rash Decisions. The Reward of Obedience. "Be Doers of the Word. " The Golden Rule of Life. That all Hope and Trust is to be Fixed in God Alone Judged by Fruit The Christian Assisted in Examining into his Growth in Grace. We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which Christian Love... Whether Poverty of Spirit is the Beatitude which Corresponds to the Gift of Fear Whether the Beatitudes Differ from the virtues and Gifts? Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter . Of Christian Liberty. How the Joyful and the Sad are to be Admonished. The Present Life as Related to the Future. In the Name of Christ "For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. For Ye have not Received the Spirit of Bondage In the Bitter Cold of Winter the Trees Stand Bare of Leaves... Links Luke 6:38 NIVLuke 6:38 NLT Luke 6:38 ESV Luke 6:38 NASB Luke 6:38 KJV Luke 6:38 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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