The Book of Luke: The Sermon On The Plain

The Sermon on the Plain: Luke 6:20-49

Luke 6:20-49 records Jesus' Sermon on the Plain:

_Luke 6:20-26 - Blessings and Woes_

20 Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."

21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

22 Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

23 "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven."

24 But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.

25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.

26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

_Luke 6:27-36 - Love Your Enemies_

27 "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you."

28 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

29 If someone strikes you on the cheek, turn to him the other also.

30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?

33 Even sinners love those who love them.

34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you?

35 Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.

36 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting anything in return.

_Luke 6:37-49 - Judgment and Discipleship_

37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.

38 Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

39 He also told this parable: "Can the blind lead the blind?"

40 Students are not above their teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

41 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye?

42 First take the plank out of your own eye.

43 No good tree bears bad fruit.

44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.

45 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.

46 Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?

47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice.

48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock.

49 When the flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it.

_Key Points:_

1. Jesus teaches on blessings and woes, emphasizing spiritual poverty and humility.

2. Love and forgiveness are essential for discipleship.

3. Judging others is warned against; self-reflection is encouraged.

_Reflection Questions:_

1. How do Jesus' teachings challenge your values and actions?

2. What does it mean to "love your enemies" in practical terms?

3. How can you apply Jesus' teachings on judgment and forgiveness?

_Additional Verses:_

- Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount)

- Leviticus 19:18

- Micah 6:8

_Study Resources:_

- The Bible Project: Luke (video)

- N.T. Wright's Luke for Everyone (commentary)

- The Lutheran Study Bible (study notes)

Would you like:

- More commentary on Luke 6

- Study questions or discussion topics

- Historical context and background

- Comparative analysis with other Gospels

- Devotional or reflection materials

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