Scripture: Luke 6

Key Points to Ponder: Jesus’ teaching is profound in that it breaks down so much of the framework that human societies have about what’s beneficial and not beneficial, what’s good and what’s bad, what’s weak and what’s powerful. In his teaching in verses 27-49, Jesus shows that to be powerful in the kingdom of God means to love those who persecute you. In the kingdom of God it is beneficial to mourn because it will lead to greater joy in the future. This is why the Kingdom of God is often called, “the upside down kingdom,” though it really should be called the “right side up kingdom,” since as sinful humans we are the ones who are upside down.

Challenging Terms: (vv 1-5) Some Pharisees saw the plucking and eating of grain to be considered working on the Sabbath, so they saw Jesus’ disciples as being in the wrong by doing so. When they saw that Jesus was going to heal a man with a withered hand, they took it as an opportunity to show people he was in the wrong, though Jesus turned this trap against them. While we are not saved by producing good fruit, producing good fruit is the natural outworking of one being saved (vv. 43-45). 

Reflection: Jesus closes this chapter by giving two foundations we can build on. We can either hear and not obey. Or we can hear and obey. With all the noise you take in on a daily basis, to what extent do you “listen” to Jesus’ words over and above merely hearing them?

Prayer: Father, thank you for solid foundation that is ours as we hear, listen, and obey your Word. Bring areas of my life to mind in which I am not listening to your Word with the intent to obey.