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.Embrace Kingdom Values
Reflect 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.1. Jesus
The 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.1. Grainfields
The 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.1. Disciples Pluck Grain on the Sabbath
The 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.Matthew 5:3-12
The 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. Pray for a Heart of Humility
Ask God to help you embrace the values of His Kingdom and find contentment in spiritual blessings.
Pray for Love and Forgiveness
Seek God's strength to love your enemies and forgive those who have wronged you.
Pray for Discernment
Request wisdom to examine your own heart and actions before judging others.
Pray for a Firm Foundation
Ask for the grace to apply Jesus' teachings in your life, building a foundation that withstands life's storms.

As we study Luke 6, may we be inspired to live out the radical teachings of Jesus, transforming our lives and the world around us.

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?