LUKE 6
JESUS EXPLAINS THE UPSIDE-DOWN KINGDOM OF GOD
Jesus and His disciples are rebuked by the Pharisees for plucking grain on the Sabbath—a day when you’re not supposed to do any work. Jesus reminds the Pharisees of 1 Samuel 21, when David ate the holy bread meant for the priests of the temple. Jesus, referring to Himself, says that something greater than the temple has arrived. He is not concerned with legalistic views of the Sabbath; He has authority over the Sabbath!
Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand at the synagogue. The Pharisees watch Jesus, hoping to accuse Him of healing on the Sabbath. Jesus is angered and grieved over the compassionless Pharisees and restores the man’s withered hand. Instead of having awe for Him, the Pharisees plot to destroy Him.
Jesus chooses twelve apostles, men who are His disciples and devout followers. These men are Peter (Simon), James (Brother of John), John, Andrew, Phillip, Nathanael (Bartholomew), Matthew (Levi), Thomas, James, Thaddeus (Judas), Simon, and Judas Iscariot.
Because of His healing abilities, news of Jesus travels quickly, and He attracts large crowds wherever He goes. Many people travel to be near Him in order to be healed.
Jesus introduces the idea of an upside-down kingdom, preaching that those who are poor will be blessed in God’s kingdom, those who are hungry will be satisfied, and those who are weeping will one day be laughing. Jesus explains that those who are rejected and excluded because of their faith will be blessed with great rewards in heaven. He encourages believers that the ways of heaven are better than the ways of the Earth.
Continuing His message, Jesus warns those who are rich that their wealth is fleeting and the satisfaction of the full will dwindle. He cautions those who are spoken well of will be like false prophets who receive disingenuous flattery.
Jesus teaches His followers to show love towards their enemies, encouraging them to do good for those who hate them and pray for the people who wrong them. Jesus instructs His disciples to treat others how they desire to be treated themselves. In the way God still loves the ungrateful and disobedient, Jesus encourages His followers to love those who are most difficult to love.
Jesus instructs His followers not to judge others, because they have not been condemned. Using the imagery of a large log and a small speck, He teaches to examine the sin in one's own life before pointing out the sin of others.
Jesus teaches that a tree is known by its fruit, either a good tree producing good fruit or a bad tree producing bad fruit. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, showing the value placed on the intention of what is spoken.
Jesus compares two houses, a sturdy home built on rock foundation and another house that is built upon sand. When a flood comes, the house with the firm foundation stands, but the house upon the sand is destroyed. Everyone who follows the teachings of Jesus will have a firm, lasting foundation.
