When you read Luke chapter six, verses seventeen through forty-nine, do you think this is Luke’s version of Jesus’ sermon on the mount or do you think this was a different setting with teachings that are similar to Jesus’ sermon on the mount?
The Bible isn’t very clear on which it is and over the years Bible scholars and theologians don’t agree either.
Over the next five weeks we are going to look closely at this teaching from Jesus. This week’s scripture reading is Luke 6:17-23…
Luke 6:17-23 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
17 He came down with them and stood on a level place with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon.
18 They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.
19 And everyone in the crowd was trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.
20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
“Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.
23 Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
What stands out to you in this passage?
I find it interesting when I read Luke’s gospel, we are given details that we might quickly pass over, but they often hold a significance…
Verse 17 Does Jesus position and posture matter?
Does it matter where the crowd was from?
Verses 18 & 19 Is there any significance in the healings that occur before Jesus speaks.
Verses 20-22 Do we feel blessed when we are poor, hungry, when we weep, or when we are hated?
How do you define being blessed?
Verse 23 When was the last time you rejoiced and leaped for joy?
Let’s talk about it on Sunday.
~ Pastor Dustin
