Luke Chapter 6: Sabbath, Apostles, and Kingdom Ethics


Summary
Luke 6 captures Jesus’ ministry as He challenges religious traditions, establishes His core followers, and teaches the values of God’s kingdom. The chapter unfolds in several key scenes:
  • Sabbath Controversies (6:1–11): Jesus’ disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath, prompting Pharisees to accuse them of unlawful work. Jesus defends them, citing David’s example and declaring Himself “Lord of the Sabbath.” In a synagogue, He heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, silencing critics but angering them.
  • Choosing the Twelve (6:12–16): After praying all night, Jesus selects twelve apostles from His disciples, naming them, including Judas Iscariot, who will betray Him.
  • Sermon on the Plain (6:17–49): Jesus teaches a crowd, including disciples, on a level place. He pronounces blessings on the poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted (6:20–23), and woes on the rich, full, laughing, and praised (6:24–26). He commands love for enemies, generosity, and mercy, urging non-judgment and forgiveness (6:27–38). Through parables, He warns against hypocrisy (blind leading blind, speck vs. log) and stresses that true disciples bear good fruit, obeying His words (6:39–46). The parable of two builders contrasts those who obey His teachings with those who don’t, facing collapse (6:47–49).
Cross-References
  • Sabbath Controversies:
    • Matthew 12:1–14; Mark 2:23–3:6: Parallel accounts.
    • 1 Samuel 21:1–6: David eating consecrated bread.
    • Exodus 20:8–11: Sabbath commandment.
    • Hosea 6:6: God desires mercy, not sacrifice.
  • Choosing the Twelve:
    • Matthew 10:1–4; Mark 3:13–19: Parallel lists of apostles.
    • Acts 1:13: Apostles after Judas’ betrayal.
    • Ephesians 2:20: Apostles as the church’s foundation.
  • Sermon on the Plain:
    • Matthew 5–7: Sermon on the Mount, similar teachings.
    • Isaiah 61:1–2: Good news to the poor, fulfilled in Jesus.
    • Leviticus 19:18: Love your neighbor, extended to enemies.
    • James 2:5: God chooses the poor for faith.
    • Matthew 7:1–5: Judging others, speck vs. log.
    • John 15:8: Bearing fruit as disciples.
    • Psalm 127:1: Building on a firm foundation.
Theological Meaning
Luke 6 is rich with theological themes that define Jesus’ authority and kingdom values:
  • Lord of the Sabbath: Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath (6:5) shows He fulfills its purpose—rest and restoration—prioritizing mercy over legalism (John 5:17). His healings reveal divine power (Isaiah 35:6).
  • Apostolic Foundation: Choosing the Twelve (6:12–16) establishes the foundation for the church, reflecting God’s plan to spread the gospel through called leaders, despite human flaws like Judas (Ephesians 2:20).
  • Kingdom Reversal: The blessings and woes (6:20–26) invert worldly values, promising God’s favor to the marginalized and warning the self-sufficient of judgment (1 Corinthians 1:27). They echo Old Testament promises (Psalm 37:11).
  • Radical Love: Loving enemies and giving generously (6:27–36) reflect God’s impartial mercy, distinguishing disciples from sinners and fulfilling the Law’s spirit (Romans 12:20).
  • Authentic Discipleship: True disciples avoid hypocrisy, bear good fruit, and obey Jesus’ teachings (6:39–46), proving their faith through actions (James 2:17).
  • Firm Foundation: Building on Jesus’ words (6:47–49) ensures stability against trials, emphasizing obedience as the bedrock of faith (1 Peter 2:6).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why did the Pharisees object to the disciples plucking grain (6:1–2)?
    • The Pharisees viewed plucking as harvesting, forbidden on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10). Jesus defended His disciples, citing David’s precedent (6:3–4) and His authority as Lord of the Sabbath (6:5; Hosea 6:6).
  2. Why did Jesus heal on the Sabbath, knowing it would anger the Pharisees (6:7–11)?
    • Jesus prioritized mercy, showing the Sabbath is for doing good (6:9). Healing the man’s hand revealed His divine power and exposed the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, as they allowed animal rescue but not human restoration (Matthew 12:11).
  3. Why did Jesus pray all night before choosing the apostles (6:12)?
    • Jesus sought God’s guidance for this crucial decision (6:12), modeling dependence on prayer for major choices (John 5:30). It underscores the apostles’ divine calling despite their imperfections (Acts 1:2).
  4. What do the blessings and woes mean (6:20–26)?
    • The blessings promise God’s favor to the poor, hungry, and persecuted, who rely on Him (6:20–23; Isaiah 61:1). The woes warn the rich and self-satisfied of judgment for trusting in temporary things (6:24–26; James 5:1).
  5. Why did Jesus say to love enemies (6:27–36)?
    • Loving enemies reflects God’s impartial mercy, who blesses all (6:35–36). It sets disciples apart, fulfilling the Law’s call to love and showing kingdom ethics (Romans 12:14).
  6. What does the parable of the speck and log mean (6:41–42)?
    • It warns against judging others’ minor faults (speck) while ignoring one’s own greater sins (log; 6:41). Hypocrisy blinds, and self-examination precedes correction (Matthew 7:3–5).
  7. How do disciples bear good fruit (6:43–45)?
    • A good heart, transformed by Jesus’ teachings, produces good actions (6:45). Obedience and faith yield fruit, while a corrupt heart cannot (John 15:5; Galatians 5:22–23).
  8. What is the foundation in the parable of the builders (6:47–49)?
    • The foundation is obedience to Jesus’ words (6:47). Those who hear and act build lives that withstand trials, unlike those who hear but disobey, facing collapse (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Sabbath laws were central to Jewish identity, but Pharisaic additions made them burdensome (6:2; Mark 7:3–4). The Twelve’s selection (6:13) mirrors Israel’s twelve tribes, symbolizing the new covenant community (Revelation 21:14). The Sermon on the Plain (6:17) likely addresses a diverse crowd, including Gentiles, reflecting Luke’s universal theme.
  • Cultural Questions: Readers might wonder why plucking grain was controversial (6:1). It was seen as work, violating Sabbath rest, though Jesus clarified human need takes precedence (6:5). The “withered hand” (6:6) likely meant disability, making the healing socially significant. “Enemies” (6:27) included personal foes and oppressors like Romans, making Jesus’ command radical.
  • Application: Luke 6 calls believers to trust Jesus’ authority, live out His radical ethics, and build on His teachings. It urges mercy, humility, and obedience, reflecting kingdom values in a broken world (Matthew 5:16).
Back to blog