Luke 6 – Lord of the Sabbath and Teachings of Jesus
Luke 6 is a chapter of contrast. Jesus challenges religious traditions, calls ordinary men to follow Him, and delivers a radical sermon that flips worldly values upside down. Through confrontation and compassion, He reveals what it truly means to live in the kingdom of God.
The King, His People, and a New Way to Live
As conflict grows with the Pharisees, Jesus asserts His authority—not just over the Sabbath, but over the hearts of men. He selects twelve apostles, heals the broken, and preaches a sermon that still shocks the world. The Beatitudes, warnings, and commands are not suggestions—they’re the heartbeat of heaven’s kingdom.
️✔ Jesus declares Himself Lord of the Sabbath.
️✔ He heals the withered hand in the synagogue.
️✔ He calls twelve disciples to apostleship.
️✔ He preaches blessings, woes, love, and mercy to multitudes.
📖 Luke 6:27 – “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.”
🔎 Luke 6 confronts human instincts with divine commands—revealing a kingdom built on love, mercy, and reversal of pride.
Luke Chapter 6 - Overview
Luke 6:1–11 – The Lord of the Sabbath
📖 Luke 6:3–4 – “And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?”
🔎 Jesus references David’s actions to show that mercy outweighs ritual. The Pharisees obsessed over rules, but missed the heart of God’s law—compassion. This passage is often misunderstood as a dismissal of God’s law, but Jesus never abolished the law—He revealed its true intent. The law was designed to point to justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23). David’s act, though technically outside the ceremonial boundaries, was motivated by need and mercy—not rebellion. Jesus uses this story to remind us that God desires obedience rooted in love and understanding, not rigid legalism. The law remains holy (Romans 7:12), but it was never meant to override human need or divine compassion.
📖 Luke 6:5 – “And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.”
🔎 This bold claim reveals Christ’s divinity. He doesn’t merely interpret the Sabbath—He owns it. The title “Lord of the Sabbath” means that Christ has full authority over how the Sabbath is understood and lived. He affirms its purpose, not to burden, but to bless. Quoting from Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath,” Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath is a divine gift, created for rest, renewal, and relationship with God. Rather than abolish it, Jesus restores its meaning—showing that the true Sabbath rest is found in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10).
📖 Luke 6:10 – “And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.”
🔎 Jesus chooses compassion over compliance. He challenges the leaders’ legalism by healing in the synagogue, showing that doing good is always lawful. This was not a dismissal of the Sabbath command, but a correction of how it had been distorted. By healing on the Sabbath, Jesus reveals the true spirit of God’s law—one rooted in mercy, restoration, and love. The Sabbath was never meant to be a burden but a blessing (Isaiah 58:13–14). Christ’s action demonstrates that honoring God includes acts of compassion, and that the law must always be interpreted through the lens of God’s character. Legalism reduces the law to cold duty; Jesus restores it to its life-giving purpose.
Luke 6:12–16 – The Twelve Are Chosen
📖 Luke 6:12 – “He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”
🔎 Before calling the twelve, Jesus spends all night in prayer. Heaven’s choices are made through communion, not convenience. Leadership begins with seeking God’s will.
📖 Luke 6:13 – “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;”
🔎 Many followed Jesus, but few were chosen for apostolic leadership. These twelve would form the foundation of the church, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Luke 6:17–36 – The Sermon on the Plain
📖 Luke 6:20 – “And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.”
🔎 Jesus begins with blessings for the broken. The kingdom belongs not to the rich and proud, but to the humble and desperate for God.
📖 Luke 6:24 – “But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.”
🔎 These woes are divine warnings. Earthly gain can blind the heart to eternal loss. Jesus flips comfort into caution.
📖 Luke 6:27 – “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”
🔎 Radical love defines kingdom living. Jesus calls His followers to respond to hatred with kindness, persecution with prayer, and pain with mercy.
📖 Luke 6:36 – “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (KJV)
🔎 Mercy is the heartbeat of God. Disciples must reflect the Father’s nature—not just in belief, but in behavior.
Luke 6:37–49 – True Foundations
📖 Luke 6:37 – “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”
🔎 This is not a call to silence truth, but to avoid hypocrisy. Jesus teaches righteous discernment without condemnation.
📖 Luke 6:45 – “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
🔎 What we say reveals who we are. Our words are fruit; our hearts are the root.
📖 Luke 6:46 – “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
🔎 Confession without obedience is empty. Jesus demands allegiance in action, not just in title.
📖 Luke 6:48 – “He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”
🔎 Christ is the rock. Obedience to His word secures a life that stands through storms. Superficial faith collapses; rooted faith endures.
Luke Chapter 6 - Deeper Study
Overview: Blessings, Woes, and Kingdom Ethics
🔹 Timeframe: Early in Jesus’ Galilean ministry.
🔹 Setting: Grainfields, synagogues, mountain regions, and a plain before the crowds.
🔹 Theme: Christ redefines righteousness, reveals kingdom values, and calls for radical obedience.
🔹 Connection to Future Events: The Sermon on the Plain echoes Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount. The calling of the twelve prepares for Pentecost and the spread of the gospel.
Key Takeaways
🔑 Kingdom power flows through compassion, not control.
🔑 True discipleship begins with prayer and calling.
🔑 The Beatitudes offer heaven’s perspective on who is truly blessed.
🔑 Love, mercy, and forgiveness are non-negotiables for kingdom citizens.
🔑 Foundations matter—faith must be lived, not just claimed.
Prophetic Patterns & Dual Fulfillment
🔮 Jesus mirrors Moses by delivering law from a mountain region.
🔮 The twelve apostles echo the twelve tribes of Israel.
🔮 The Sermon echoes Isaiah 61, with blessings to the poor and healing for the brokenhearted.
Historical & Cultural Context
📜 Pharisees expanded Sabbath laws far beyond Scripture.
📜 First-century rabbis taught reciprocity—Jesus taught grace.
📜 Public teaching on plains allowed multitudes to hear clearly.
📜 Rabbis had disciples, but Jesus’ authority and call were unmatched.
💡 Final Reflection: Are You Building on the Rock?
Jesus doesn’t simply offer wise sayings—He gives the blueprint for unshakable life. The world builds on popularity, pride, and performance. But Jesus calls us to build on Him.
📌 Is your foundation solid or superficial?
📌 Are you hearing His words but ignoring His way?
📌 Will your faith withstand the flood?
📖 Luke 6:48 – “…and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”
🔥 Build your life on Christ, and nothing can shake you.
Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath
Luk 6:1 And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.
Luk 6:2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
Luk 6:3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
Luk 6:4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
Luk 6:5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
A Man with a Withered Hand
Luk 6:6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
Luk 6:7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
Luk 6:8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
Luk 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
Luk 6:10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Luk 6:11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
The Twelve Apostles
Luk 6:12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Luk 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
Luk 6:14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
Luk 6:15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Luk 6:16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
Jesus Ministers to a Great Multitude
Luk 6:17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;
Luk 6:18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.
Luk 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
The Beatitudes
Luk 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
Luk 6:21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
Luk 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
Luk 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
Jesus Pronounces Woes
Luk 6:24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
Luk 6:25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
Luk 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Love Your Enemies
Luk 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Luk 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Luk 6:29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
Luk 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
Luk 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Luk 6:32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
Luk 6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
Luk 6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
Luk 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Luk 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Judging Others
Luk 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Luk 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luk 6:39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
Luk 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
Luk 6:41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Luk 6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
A Tree and Its Fruit
Luk 6:43 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Luk 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
Luk 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Build Your House on the Rock
Luk 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Luk 6:47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
Luk 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
Luk 6:49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Date Written
Around 60-62 AD
Written By
Luke the physician
Language
Greek
Verses
49