<<< Go back to Luke chapter five <<<
(38) Getting the Sabbath right (Luke 6:1-11, 7th September 2008)
(39) Appointing Apostles (Luke 6:12-16, 14th September 2008)
(40) Blessings and woes (Luke 6:17-26, 5th April 2009)
(41) Supernatural living (Luke 6:27-35, 26th April 2009)
(42) Christian hypocrisy (Luke 6:35-42, 3rd May 2009)
(43) How to build a safe house (Luke 6:43-49, 10th May 2009)
>>> Go on to chapter seven >>>
Since 4:16 Jesus has been demonstrating his mission from God: to show mercy and bring people back to God who have been far from Him due to the mess created by sin. Some, however, have been reacting very badly to Jesus and in 6:1-11 we see another confrontation between them and Jesus. Now it centres upon the Sabbath. What is the Sabbath? Well, after making the world in 6 days, God “rested” on the 7th. For Adam, this was his first full day and so he began his new life spending time with God, who wasn't engaged in other activities. God so approved of that, that he mercifully announced that Adam should always keep one day free from work each week, to spend time with God – a “holy day”. And when God later chose Israel for himself, he laid down that they should do the same. Now by Jesus' time, the Jewish religious teachers had produced rules to help people understand what constituted work and therefore what should be avoided on the Sabbath. This included prohibiting picking food like corn and only providing medical help in life-threatening situations. In theory pondering such rules should have been helpful to God's people, but in reality it became dangerous. You see, by keeping the rules well the Pharisees compared themselves favourably with others (like Levi in chapter 5) and hence thought themselves higher up God's blessing ladder. This pride then destroyed mercy within them, as they despised those whom they considered “beneath” them. This lack of mercy comes out in our verses as the Pharisees criticise Jesus and his disciples for their Sabbath activities. However, Jesus exposes their unbiblical attitude by pointing them to an incident in 1 Samuel 21 when David and his men were invited to eat the Tabernacle bread by the high priest – an “unlawful” act. It's a story which shows the rightness of understanding God's law in the light of God's mercy. And that's precisely what Jesus is doing, thus demonstrating that he, unlike the Pharisees, comprehends the Sabbath properly. Or as he says: “I am Lord of the Sabbath” (unlike the Pharisees who are its slaves). For Jesus, the Sabbath is a day all about God's mercy. That's why in the verses which follow he heals the man's hand: because that's precisely the sort of activity you'd expect to see on a Sabbath! As Christians we see here indications of our future life when we shall live peacefully with our God (Heb 4:9). And that encourages us to have “Sabbaths” in this world, when possible, that we might enjoy foretastes of what will be ours one day.
(1) Are you looking forward to an eternal future with God? Why not read through the gospels and see some of the blessings people experienced by being with Jesus. Then imagine those blessings in the context of a new world, free from sin.
(2) What can you do now to enjoy some foretastes of that eternal future? In particular, how might you better use each Sunday?
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In each era of the history of Christianity there have been men whose work has had a wide impact upon Christians and churches. Amongst other things, such men have encouraged mission, trained leaders and taught in powerful ways the great truths of the Bible. But should we give such men the job title “apostle” and compare them with Peter, James and John etc.? This sermon looked at part of the answer to that question by considering what Jesus is doing in Luke 6:12-16. Now clearly, from v12, this is an important moment for Jesus since he ascends a mountain for a night of talking with his Father. The Bible speaks of fasting from food at times of important prayer, but to fast from sleep indicates a highly significant situation. Well next morning Jesus comes down, gathers his many disciples and then from them all he selects 12. He calls these 12 “apostles”, meaning that they will be his representatives, speaking and acting on his behalf and with his authority. Previously Jesus has hinted to Simon that he will have a particular task – “fisher of men” – but now he actually sets these men aside, including Simon, for special duties. But why is this appointing of the men so significant? Well their roles are going to become clearer as Luke's story develops but even here we have a clue to their importance in the fact that there are 12 of them. You see: Jesus is setting up a new people of God. No longer will God's people come through a family line: the family of Jacob with his 12 sons. God's people will now be those who have repented and put their faith in Jesus Christ, having heard about him from his 12 apostles. So, in a sense, the apostles are the tribal heads of the family of faith which comes from Jesus and whose members are the new people of God. So in what he's doing, Jesus is taking God's plan forward in a new and very different way. And if any of the people of Israel want a place in God's future blessings, then they must be willing to submit to these apostles (see Luke 22:29) and by learning from them, come to faith in Jesus – as the book of Acts will show. So the role of these apostles was unique in a particular moment of history. As Paul says, they were foundational people (Eph 2), laying the base upon which the church could be built. Hence, today we don't need new apostles like Peter etc. But we do need to continue to build upon their work: taking to heart all the teaching they left behind; learning from their example of faithful service; and remembering the good foundation they laid, praying that God will make his kingdom yet greater.
(1) How much do you know about the 12 apostles? Why not read further about them in the Bible and indeed in church history books? Discover just what these men did, in order to lay the foundation of the Christian church.
(2) Although these men had a unique role, they also had abilities which we still need. What are those abilities? Ask God to grant the same gifts in our day.
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People often test life by how well it is going today, but Jesus warns us strongly here not to do so. Earlier on in Luke's gospel it was clear through events, John's preaching and Jesus' mission, that the Israelites were under the curse of God and needed to repent. However, only some responded to Jesus' message; others ignored it; some despised it. Jesus divided people. In particular, Luke 5 showed how the strongly religious hated Jesus because he brought mercy when they, in pride and arrogance, despised others. This is one of the great effects of Jesus' preaching: it exposes all of our sins, including those deep down in our hearts like lovelessness, and directs us towards our need to repent and find forgiveness with God. Well in Luke 6:17-26, Jesus puts this message in terms of a stark contrast. Crowds come to him on a large plateau, looking for healing. Jesus, however, cannot not leave them only with miracles and so he takes the opportunity to teach. He begins by drawing attention to his followers (6:20-23) who will have seemed to the crowds like a pretty sorry bunch of people. So whilst they like coming to Jesus for his miracles, the crowds are probably not feeling enticed into becoming his followers. But in front of the crowd, Jesus says to his disciples that although they may be poor by this world's standards, in fact they are fortunate people with something really worth having because they are the citizens of God's new kingdom (6:20). Likewise they may be people who are hungry – unfilled by what this world offers – and crying – left in pain by the state of this world – but God will one day meet all their needs abundantly (6:21). But can this really be true when Jesus is so despised and rejected himself? Absolutely, for God's people have often been treated badly, and Jesus' followers will know the same, but God sees their suffering and is storing up great rewards for them (6:22-23). Christians are to be people who do not forever look at what their lives are today but rather live dreaming of what our lives will be one day, when God brings us to the resurrection. However, Jesus cannot leave his teaching there but must put the matter to the crowds. He's told them of his disciples' future, but what of their own? So he warns them that if they reject following him, in order to gain an easier life, it will end up in disaster (6:24). If they live with comfort and ease as their priority today, ignoring God's call to repent and believe, they will lose everything. Temporary satisfaction and happiness in worldly things now, will end in eternal emptiness and sadness (6:25). But will they listen or will they listen to the reassurances of foolish voices (6:26)? The choice is stark, but they must face it – as must we.
(1) If you're a Christian, think about your attitudes. How often do you choose to put ease and comfort now, before living for Jesus Christ?
(2) If you're not a Christian: why are you staying away from Jesus Christ? Is it because his way seems difficult or despised? Pray and talk to God about this.
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Christianity is supernatural. But how is that typically seen in this world? It is seen in the radical way that Jesus' followers live and this is what Jesus describes in our verses. Previously Jesus spoke about two types of people: those who follow him and gain blessing, and those who do not and face disaster. But until God brings judgement and sorts people out, those two groups will live alongside one another and, at times, it will mean persecution for Jesus' followers. So Jesus now tells his people how to respond and cope, which can be summed up by the command “love your enemies” (v27, 35). This means Christians do good to those who cause us trouble when living our ordinary lives (Jesus is not discussing dealing with criminal behaviour or serving in the army). This does not mean we like our enemies or pretend they are nice. It also doesn't mean we forgive them, since that would need them to apologise and want reconciliation. Rather, Jesus' command is far more radical: love them whilst they are still behaving as your enemies! In v28-30 Jesus gives examples of what this loves means. So when people use words to harm us, we react by speaking words that do them good – including praying for them. When people insult us (“slapping our cheek”) or take things from us, we react by maintaining friendly contact, despite the fact it may mean receiving further insults or more financial loss. But how can Christians cope with this lifestyle since it goes right against our natural inclinations? And why does Jesus command it? Well, he goes on to explain that by doing this we are confronting our enemies with: God; life in his kingdom; and the fact that Christians truly are blessed people (see v20-23). Hence in v31 Jesus tells his disciples to “do to others as you would have them do to you.” Through that rule Jesus gets his followers to display to their enemies what a life of love looks like. Or in other words, to show them what life in God's kingdom looks like since that is, and will ever be, a kingdom of love. To emphasise his point, Jesus then speaks in v32-34 about life in this world and how it normally operates on selfishness: “you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours”. But by loving their enemies, Jesus' followers will show a completely different type of life: a selfless, loving life which looks for no payback. This all flows, of course, from God's promises to us. Since we know our future lives will be full of satisfaction, laughter, reward and joy (v20-23), we are free to love others without fear of loss. So Christians must love without worrying about what return we'll get for our love. But since such radical living goes against the grain, it is only possible by God's grace. Christianity really is supernatural.
(1) Think about the people in your life who treat you like an enemy. Are you loving them? Are you praying for God's help with this? How can you love better?
(2) If you're a Christian, why not take some time each week simply to remember one or other of God's promises about your eternal future?
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Jesus has established a new people for God lead by himself and his 12 apostles. He's also warned that only those who come into this new kingdom, following him, will be safe from judgement. This message divides Israel, making Jesus enemies. But he tells his people not to fight their enemies – rather they must do them good, thus showing them what God's kingdom is like: loving. Then in 6:35 Jesus expands on this theme by calling his followers “sons of the Most High”. Previously (Lk 1:32) Jesus himself was identified by this title both for his incarnation but also in connection with Daniel in the Old Testament, where God is seen as the Most High ruler of all the nations. Hence in this title Jesus is identified as God's king of the world. But now in Luke 6 Jesus shares the title with his people, showing they are not just citizens of God's kingdom but actually the adopted children of God who share the high status of Jesus himself (although he is unique as God's eternal Son)! With such honour, however, comes responsibility: they must behave like their Father. So in 6:35 Jesus gives this as the ultimate reason why they must love their enemies: because this is how God behaves. As a result of our rebellion and sin we all deserve to die, but God in his mercy (v36) has granted that although trouble stalks our planet, nonetheless life still thrives here and there is time for people to turn to God. So, since God is merciful, Christians must also be. Then in v37-42 Jesus develops this theme further by telling Christians not to be judgemental towards other Christians (v41, “brothers”). When others sin or fail us, they should find us ready to overlook and forgive, rather than be constantly condemning them. They should find us generous to do them good, as Jesus illustrates with a story about an abundantly generous grain seller (v38). And Jesus warns that God takes this very seriously: if we treat others well, we'll find God generous in his blessings upon us. But if we are mean and harsh, then he'll be the same with us: our Christian life will be marked by disappointment and coldness from God (v37-38). However, Jesus hasn't finished and next he exposes the truth about proud, judgemental Christians using three pictures. Firstly, they are blind guides taking people into deep pits (v39) – causing misery for others. Secondly, they are bad teachers creating disciples just like themselves: judgemental (v40). Thirdly, when in their unforgiving attitude they criticise others, it's like somebody with a roof beam in his eye trying to remove a speck from another! So, says Jesus, if we are to be useful any judgemental attitude must go, otherwise we'll just be hypocrites (v42). Christians must have generous, forgiving hearts.
(1) Are you harbouring a judgemental spirit within you? Which fellow Christians receive your harsh side? Plan, and pray, about putting this sin away.
(2) Christians are the adopted children of God, who will rule with Jesus forever. Take some time to think about this honour and gives thanks to God in prayer.
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God's kingdom is a kingdom of love and Jesus' sermon in Luke 6 is about this theme. In the sermon Jesus shows how Christians love, with the first application being that we are to love our enemies by maintaining contact with them and doing them good (v27). In doing so we will show our opponents God's kingdom of love (v31) and will also be behaving like our heavenly father (v35). However, doing good to enemies is only the tip of an ice-berg and so Jesus moves on to a more general Christian attitude that we are to have in God's kingdom, namely: not being judgemental and condemnatory (v37). This doesn't mean failing to distinguish between right and wrong: Jesus regularly does that and so do his apostles. Rather being non-judgemental means Christians are to be generous hearted in the mercy they show to others, just as God has been with us (v36). Others should find us abundantly forgiving, happy to be reconciled and ready to do them good. But if we're unwilling to treat others this way, then God will adjust his treatment of us appropriately and be harsh with us (v38). Why? Because we're harming others (v39); generating more judgemental Christians (v40); and are ridiculously useless (v41). Then, as his sermon draws to a close, Jesus sums all this up: only good trees produce good fruit; only fig trees can grow figs (v43). In other words, a stingy Christian who constantly judges others will live a failed life which does no good – no matter how much they boast otherwise. The heart must be right for a Christian to live well for Christ (v45). A person may claim to be following Jesus faithfully and well, but their words will be empty and pointless unless they are willing to implement his teaching in this sermon about love (v46); what Jesus has taught must be lived out by Christians. Jesus then powerfully emphasises this point with a closing story. He says that those who only listen and don't take up his radical lifestyle, are like a man building without a firm foundation to his house: when a flood comes, the house is lost. Whereas those who listen and obey are like a man building on rock: his house survives the rising of the flood. Only those who put into practice the changes of heart and life which Jesus describes, will be those who come safely through the troubles God brings. And so Jesus' sermon ends on the solemn note with which it began: his Israelite hearers truly need to follow him or they will reap disaster. But the lesson is for us too: we will only survive when God's judgement falls, if we follow Christ and show our faith by doing what he says. However, thank God he is merciful and gives help to those who cry out, for such radical living is only possible for us with the help of his Holy Spirit.
(1) Work through all the ways – big and small - in which God has shown generous forgiveness to you. Take delight in his grace and give thanks to him in prayer.
(2) Over the next week why not remind yourself each day of Jesus' story about the two men? Review your life each day: have you built upon the rock?
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