A Magnanimous Love: Luke 6:37-38

A Magnanimous Love
Luke 6:37-38

16  Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16 (ESV)

1. A love that does not judge unbiblically
37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged . . . Luke 6:37 (ESV)

6  Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. Matthew 7:6 (ESV)

17  I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. Romans 16:17 (ESV)

24  Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” John 7:24 (ESV)

2. A love that does not condemn
37  condemn not, and you will not be condemned . . . Luke 6:37 (ESV)

 24  Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, 25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Proverbs 22:24-25 (ESV)

3. A love that has a forgiving spirit
37  . . .  and you will be forgiven . . . Luke 6:37 (ESV)

4. A love that gives
38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 (ESV)

9  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)

7  Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 8  Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9  Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10  For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11  let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:7-12 (ESV)

2  For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:2 (ESV)

A New Love Ethic: Luke 6:32-36

A New Love Ethic
Luke 6:32-36

1. The reverse of unconditional love
32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. Luke 6:32-34 (ESV)

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?Matthew 5:46 (ESV)

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:17 (ESV)

O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? . . . 5  who does not put out his money at interest. Psalm 15:1-5 (ESV)

Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. Proverbs 28:8 (ESV)

2. The rewards of unconditional love
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35 (ESV)

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45 (ESV)

 3. The reflection of unconditional love
36  Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 (ESV)

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 (ESV)

Loving Difficult People (Part 2): Luke 6:27-31

Loving Difficult People (Part II)
Luke 6:27-31

4. How to love people who hit you
29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also . . .
Luke 6:29 (ESV)

23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 
John 18:23 (ESV) 


According to rabbinic law, to hit someone with the back of the hand was twice as insulting as hitting him with the palm of the hand.

Jesus is encouraging his disciples not to fight back or retaliate when insulted.

5. How to love people who haul you into court
 . . . and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 
Luke 6:29 (ESV)

The example of the cloak probably refers to the responsibility one must take when he or she has committed a wrong.

We are to try to rectify the situation and treat others right by making an extra effort.

6. How to love people who heist your stuff
30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. Luke 6:30 (ESV)

The kingdom citizen holds his possessions loosely and generously gives to him who asks; the assumption is that it is a legitimate need.

1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1 (ESV)

24  One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25  Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV)

9  Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. Proverbs 22:9 (ESV)

17  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (ESV)

The principle: 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. 
Luke 6:31 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe: We must not look at these admonitions as a series of rules to be obeyed. They describe an attitude of heart that expresses itself positively when others are negative, and generously when others are selfish, all to the glory of God.

Loving Difficult People (Part 1): Luke 6:27-31

Loving Difficult People (Part 1)
Luke 6:27-31

1. How to love people who hate you
27  But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you Luke 6:27 (ESV)

18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. 
Leviticus 19:18 (ESV)

21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (ESV)

When believers face hatred, they are to respond by seeking the welfare of those who hate them.

2. How to love people who heckle you
28 bless those who curse you . . . Luke 6:28 (ESV)

The word “bless” literally means “to speak well.”

23  When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 (ESV)

3. How to love people who hurt you
28  . . . pray for those who abuse you. Luke 6:28 (ESV)

This kind of hurt involved in abuse is emotional hurt, mental anguish, and pain.

Kingdom Values: Woes: Luke 6:24-26

Kingdom Values (Woes)
Luke 6:24-26

1. The cursed pillar of prosperity
24  “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Luke 6:24 (ESV)

The Greek word for woe (ouai) is more a word of lamentation than of condemnation. Deuteronomy 8:18

Riches cause people to feel self-sufficient and to feel that they have found the happiness for which they were seeking.

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 (ESV); Hebrews 11:24-26

2. The cursed pillar of plenty
25  “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry . . .” Luke 6:25 (ESV)

This is probably a reference to people who are sinfully or carnally full and spiritually empty. Colossians 3:1-2; John 15:11

3. The cursed pillar of the party mentality
25   . . . “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.” Luke 6:25 (ESV)

The word for laughter is often tied to that which is boastful, self-satisfied, condescending, or rejoicing in harm that others experience. (Darrell Bock)

5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. James 5:5 (ESV)

(A) It Is Short
Ecclesiastes 7:6- For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. Job 20:5

(B) It Is Shallow
Proverbs 14:13- Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

(C) It Is to Be Switched to Sorrow Over Sin
James 4:8-10...Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

4. The cursed pillar of popularity
26  “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. Luke 6:26 (ESV)

This is a warning not to fall into the trap of courting acceptance for one’s message at the expense of truthfulness. (Darrell Bock)

31  the prophets prophesy falsely . . . my people love to have it so . . . Jeremiah 5:31 (ESV): 2 Timothy 4:3

10  For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

*Outline by Rod Matoon

Kingdom Values: Beatitudes: Luke 6:17-23

Kingdom Values (Beatitudes)
Luke 6:17-23

17  And 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 and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18  who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19  And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all. Luke 6:17-19 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe: The blessed life comes not from getting, or from doing, but from being. The emphasis is on godlike character. Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV)

1. Blessed in poverty
20  And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke 6:20 (ESV)

Ptochos (fromm ptosso) relates to the concept of “to cringe” or cower in fear. In Matt 5:3 he refers to the poor in spirit. These individuals have a bankrupt condition of the soul.

Laodicean church:
17  For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Revelation 3:17 (ESV)

2. Blessed in hunger
21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied” . . . Luke 6:21 (ESV)

This hunger here is probably not necessarily from a lack of food but a lack of righteousness.

1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 (ESV)

3. Blessed in sorrow
21   . . . “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Luke 6:21 (ESV)

Matthew says those who weep will be comforted. Luke takes it a step further and includes that they will laugh.

3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit. . .
Isaiah 61:3 (ESV); Jeremiah 31:13 (ESV); Isaiah 53:3; Luke 13:34

4. Blessed when scorned
22  “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.” Luke 6:22-23 (ESV)

The verbs of hate, exclude, revile, and spurn sums up the hostility and animosity that Christ’s disciples endure.

40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. Acts 5:40-41 (ESV); Acts 16:25 (ESV); Col. 1:24 (ESV)

Wiersbe: What people most need is not a change in circumstances but a change in their relationship to God and in their outlook on life.

The Deity's Dozen: Luke 6:12-16

The Deity’s Dozen
Luke 6:12-16

1. The prayer before Jesus’ decision
12  In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. Luke 6:12 (ESV)

Luke reveals that both Jesus and, following His example, the early church prayed before major decisions. (Acts 6:6; 13:2-3; 14:23).

2. The implementation of Jesus’ decision
13  And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14  Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15  and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16  and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Luke 6:13-16 (ESV)

The number twelve is reflective and parallel to the twelve tribes of Israel.

An apostle is someone who is commissioned to carry a message or to perform an official duty on someone else’s behalf. (Philip Ryken)

3. The results of Jesus’ decision
13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (ESV)

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)

19  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20  built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21  in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22  In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath: Luke 6:1-11

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath
Luke 6:1-11

1. The true spirit of the Law
1 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” Luke 6:1-4 (ESV)

Michael Bentley: Nowhere does the Lord say that God's Word has been superseded by his own teaching, but everywhere he shows how the tradition of the Jewish teachers had fallen far short of what God intended.

27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 (ESV)

2. The Lord of the Sabbath
5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:5 (ESV)

Jesus is stating that the Son of Man, or Messiah, reigns over the Sabbath and accurately evaluates what is and what is not appropriate for this day.

3. The true spirit of the Sabbath
6  On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7  And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8  But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9  And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10  And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11  But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:6-11 (ESV)

In God's view, a refusal to do good is to do evil—"good omitted is evil committed" (Godet).

9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all . . . 2 Timothy 3:9 (ESV)

Simply put, true faith produces mercy.

12  For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins— you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate. … 21  “I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. 22  Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. 23  Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. 24  But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:12, 21-24 (ESV)

8  He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (ESV)

17  But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17 (ESV)

We must beware of letting our traditions override the clear teaching of God's Word.

Something Old, Something New: Luke 5:33-39

Something Old, Something New
Luke 5:33-39

1. The Inquiry about Jesus’ ministry
33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” 
Luke 5:33 (ESV)

2. The Interpretation of Jesus’ ministry
34  And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35  The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” Luke 5:34-35 (ESV)

3. The Illustrations that describe Jesus’ ministry
36  He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37  And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38  But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39  And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’” Luke 5:36-39 (ESV); Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 8:13; Romans 7:6.

Jesus’ illustrations reveal His ministry in light of the New Covenant.                

Jesus’ illustrations reveal the incorrect applications of the New Covenant in relation to that of the Old.
Hebrews 8:6-13 (ESV)

25  I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26  And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27  And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Ezekiel 36:25-27 (ESV)

Jesus’ first illustration reveals an incorrect application by implementing ideas of the New Covenant to the structure of the Old.

Jesus’ second illustration reveals an incorrect application by implementing the Old Covenant thought to the New Covenant system.

Jesus’ third illustration reveals an incorrect application by failing to consider how the Old Covenant is fulfilled in the New Covenant.

The Call of Levi: Luke 5:27-32

The Call of Levi
Luke 5:27-32

1. Jesus’ principle for discipleship
27  After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28  And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. Luke 5:27-28 (ESV)

Discipleship means that Jesus must be the number one priority in an individual’s life.

2. Jesus’ principle for fellowship
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. Luke 5:29 (ESV)

Jesus accepted all individuals as people of worth, understanding that isolation from sinners is not a call of discipleship.

10  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 (ESV)

9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 (ESV)

3. Jesus’ principle for sonship
30  And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31  And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:30-32 (ESV)

31  but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, Romans 9:31-32 (ESV)

The “healthy” are the self-righteous, alluding to the Pharisees who cannot see their condition, while the “sick” are the sinners who perceive their condition and need for help.

Jesus’ point is that we are all sinners; some recognize it while others do not.

12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13 (ESV)

6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 (ESV)

7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7 (ESV)

Through the Roof: Luke 5:17-26

Through the Roof
Luke 5:17-26

1. People who do whatever it takes to bring others to Jesus
17 On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. Luke 5:17-19 (ESV)

These men showed great care in exhibiting persistent, creative, and sacrificial faith in order to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus.

2. People who question the authority of Jesus.
20  And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21  And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22  When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? 23  Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? Luke 5:20-23 (ESV)

Jesus offered visual validation for the more difficult statement to prove both the authority to forgive sin and to heal paralysis.

3. People who are healed by Jesus
24  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 25  And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. Luke 5:24-25 (ESV)

Wiersbe: If leprosy illustrates the corruption and defilement of sin, then palsy is a picture of the paralysis that sin produces in a life.

4. People who Glorify God in Jesus
26  And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” Luke 5:26 (ESV)

36  . . . For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me . . . John 5:36-37 (ESV)

Free from Leprosy/Free from Sin: Luke 5:12-16

Free from Leprosy/Free from Sin
Luke 5:12-16

1. The Leper’s Condition
12  While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy . . .  Luke 5:12 (ESV)

Though the leper was not worse or guiltier than his fellow Jews, nevertheless he was a parable of sin—an "outward and visible sign of innermost spiritual corruption." R. C. Trench

5 Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and raw wounds; they are not pressed out or bound up or softened with oil. Isaiah 1:5-6 (ESV)

2. The Leper’s Request
12   . . . And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” Luke 5:12 (ESV)

Here we see the first and fundamental qualification for coming to Jesus—an awareness of one's condition.

The leper knelt flat on his face before Christ in humble prostration. He was fully aware of his hopeless, leprous condition, and yet he believed Christ could heal him.

3. The Savior’s Touch
13  And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 5:13 (ESV)

Jesus wanted the leper to feel the Savior's willingness and sympathy.

21  For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

22  And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. Luke 7:22 (ESV)

4. The Priest’s Ritual
14 And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 
Luke 5:14 (ESV)

This word "charged" involves strong emotion, including anger. The word has the idea of "admonish or to urgently rebuke."

5. The Savior’s Prayerfulness
15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Luke 5:15-16 (ESV)

The word "withdraw" is in the imperfect tense which means He frequently or continually did this in His daily life.

Peter's Call to be a Fisher of Men: Luke 5:1-11

Peter’s Call to be a Fisher of Men
Luke 5:1-11

1. The communication before Peter’s call to be a fisher of men
1  On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2  and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3  Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. Luke 5:1-3 (ESV)

Peter and the other future disciples with him, James and John, were being exposed to kingdom principles before they would be placed with a major decision.

2. The challenge before Peter’s call to be a fisher of men
4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. Luke 5:4-7 (ESV)

God's commands are not always logical, practical, or convenient.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

3. The confession at Peter’s call to be a fisher of men
8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, Luke 5:8-9 (ESV)

Perceiving Jesus’ power and knowledge, Peter sensed Jesus’ holiness and felt himself exposed.

MacArthur: In the terror of the recognition of his sinfulness, Peter wanted to send the Lord away, but Jesus wanted to draw Peter closer.

5  And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Isaiah 6:5 (ESV)

4. The commitment in Peter’s call to be a fisher of men
10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10-11 (ESV)

4 You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. 
Deuteronomy 13:4 (ESV)

The Greek word rendered “catch” literally means “capture alive.”

MacArthur: These men had spent their lives catching fish for the purpose of killing them; now they would spend the rest of their lives catching men to give them life.

Gilgal: Remember God's Faithfulness: Joshua 4

Gilgal: Remember God’s Faithfulness
Joshua 4

1. The Presence and God’s Faithfulness
1   When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, 2  “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, 3  and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” Joshua 4:1-3 (ESV)

16  Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV)

2. The Unity and God’s Faithfulness
4  Then Joshua called the twelve men from the people of Israel, whom he had appointed, a man from each tribe. 5  And Joshua said to them, “Pass on before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and take up each of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, Joshua 4:4-5 (ESV)

5  so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:5 (ESV)

3. The Memorial of God’s Faithfulness
6  that this may be a sign among you. When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ 7  then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.” Joshua 4:6-7 (ESV)

4. The Warning and God’s Faithfulness
8  And the people of Israel did just as Joshua commanded and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the people of Israel, just as the LORD told Joshua. And they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged and laid them down there. 9  And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood; and they are there to this day. Joshua 4:8-9 (ESV)

10  For the priests bearing the ark stood in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to tell the people, according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua. The people passed over in haste. Joshua 4:10 (ESV)

9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV)

5. The Mission and God’s Faithfulness
22  then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ 23  For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, 24  so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” Joshua 4:22-24 (ESV)

19  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

The Ministry of Jesus: Luke 4:31-44

The Ministry of Jesus
Luke 4:31-44

1. The teaching of Jesus
31  And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32  and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. Luke 4:31-32 (ESV)

Jesus’ authority in teaching probably relates to His direct explanation of a text as opposed to the endless quotes and allusions to other men by the teachers of the day.

15  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

2. The works of Jesus
33  And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34  “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 35  But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. 36  And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” 37  And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. 38  And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39  And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. 40  Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41  And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. Luke 4:33-41 (ESV)

There is an overarching conflict between the idea of the demonic “unclean” spirit and Jesus who is anointed by the “Holy” Spirit.

8   . . . The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 (ESV)

Jesus also had authority to rebuke sickness, a connection to sin and the corruption that comes from sin in general.

24   . . . And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. Luke 8:24 (ESV)

Jesus’ touch probably reveals personal care, a sign of blessing, a connection between Jesus and the one healed, and a sign of re-creation.

3. The commission of Jesus
42  And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43  but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44  And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. Luke 4:42-44 (ESV)

Jesus’ commission is to spread the good news of the kingdom. Isaiah 9:6-7

Hometown Prophet: Luke 4:22-30

Hometown Prophet
Luke 4:22-30

1. The rejection of Jesus by His hometown
22  And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” 23  And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal yourself.’ What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.” 24  And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.” Luke 4:22-24 (ESV)

We never see Jesus performing miracles in response to coercion or manipulation.

22  For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 1 Corinthians 1:22 (ESV)

2. The message of Jesus to His hometown
25  “…But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26  and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27  And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” Luke 4:25-27 (ESV)

13  And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 14  For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” 1 Kings 17:13-14 (ESV)

11  But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.” 2 Kings 5:11 (ESV)

Both of Jesus’ stories involved individuals who were outside of Israel, or Gentiles, and both stories involved individuals who had to believe God’s word before the miracle occurred.

3. The persecution of Jesus by His hometown
28  When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29  And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30  But passing through their midst, he went away. Luke 4:28-30 (ESV)

Jesus often eluded the authorities or a hostile crowd simply because it was not God’s time, which reminds us that God is in control.

11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. John 1:11 (ESV)

Homecoming: Luke 4:14-21

Homecoming
Luke 4:14-21

1. The empowerment of Jesus’ Worship
14  And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15  And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. Luke 4:14-15 (ESV)

The secret of our Savior’s success directly relates to the power of the Spirit.

2. The consistency of Jesus’ Worship
16  And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. Luke 4:16 (ESV)

 “As was His custom” informs us that Jesus obediently and consistently worshiped on the Sabbath.

25  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 (ESV)

3. The message of Jesus’ Worship
17  And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19  to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:17-19 (ESV)

1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2  to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV)

6  “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6 (ESV)

Kent Hughes: Jesus was obviously saying two things. First, the consolation of Israel promised long before by Isaiah found its ultimate expression in Jesus and his message. And second, while "the day of vengeance of our God" would come (Isaiah 61:2b), it was not being fulfilled on that day. What was being fulfilled that day was "the year [i.e., the season] of the Lord's favor." Matthew 5:3

Jesus used the idea of blindness to sight to help explain His plans for the Apostle Paul. Acts 26:17-18

10  And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan. Leviticus 25:10 (ESV)

4. The application of Jesus’ Worship
20  And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21  And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:20-21 (ESV)

The people of Nazareth did not see any prisoners gain their freedom or any blind people recover their sight, but they did hear Jesus preach the gospel, and when they heard it, Isaiah’s prophecy came true. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Jesus' Temptation: Part 2 (The Battle from a Specific Perspective): Luke 4:3-12

Jesus’ Temptation: Part 2
(The Battle from a Specific Perspective)
Luke 4:3-12

1. The Devil wanted Jesus to Doubt God’s Provision (Appetites and Abilities)
3  The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4  And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” Luke 4:3-4 (ESV)

25  I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. Psalm 37:25 (ESV)

The devil was casting doubt on what God said, as he loves to do. And if Jesus was the Son of God, then why was he on the verge of starvation? How could this be God’s will for his life? 1 Corinthians 10:31; John 4:34; Matthew 6:25-26

3  And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV)

2. The Devil wanted Jesus to Doubt God’s Plan (Ambition and Authority)
5  And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6  and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7  If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8  And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” Luke 4:5-8 (ESV); Psalm 2:7-8

God’s pattern: We start with suffering and then end with glory.

25  And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26  Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Luke 24:25-26 (ESV); 1 Peter 5:10

Satan’s pattern is that we start with glory and end with suffering.

13  It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear. Deuteronomy 6:13 (ESV)

3. The Devil wanted Jesus to Doubt God’s Promises (Attentiveness and Ability)
9  And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10  for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’
11  and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 12  And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Luke 4:9-12 (ESV)

11  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12  On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12 (ESV)

The temptation made by Satan was to, in essence, force God into a corner so that He has to act.

16  “You shall not put the LORD your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah. 17  You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies and his statutes, which he has commanded you. Deuteronomy 6:16-17 (ESV)

Jesus' Temptation: Part 1 (The Battle from a General Perspective): Luke 4:1-2

Jesus’ Temptation: Part 1
(The Battle from a General Perspective)
Luke 4:1-2

1. Jesus overcame temptation in the worst of all possible conditions
1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. Luke 4:1-2 (ESV)

MacArthur: Adam faced temptation in the best possible surroundings, the garden of Eden. Jesus faced temptation in the worst imaginable setting—the wasteland of the Judean desert.

2. Jesus fought many and varied temptations consistently with the same weaponry
3  The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4  And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” 5  And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6  and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will.
7  If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8  And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”
9  And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10  for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ 11  and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 12  And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Luke 4:3-12 (ESV)

Jesus was anchored in the Father’s love to endure the battle
22   . . . “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22 (ESV); 1 John 4:10

Jesus was filled with the empowerment of the Spirit during the battle
1  And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness Luke 4:1 (ESV); Ephesians 5:15-18

Jesus’ wielded the sword of God’s Word offensively in the battle
17  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:12-17 (ESV)

Jesus prayed in preparation for the battle
21  Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, Luke 3:21 (ESV); Ephesians 6:18

3. Jesus’ battle against the spiritual forces of darkness had only just begun
13  And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13 (ESV); Matthew 16:23; James 4:7; James 1:13

Adam, though created perfect, gave in to temptation, and passed sin onto the whole human race. Jesus, by contrast, resisted Satan.

Jesus, who could not sin, endured temptation in greater fashion than we can even imagine. Why was Jesus tempted? The simple answer . . . for us!

18  For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18 (ESV)

Son of Man, Son of God: Luke's Genealogy: Luke 3:23-38

Son of Man, Son of God: Luke’s Genealogy
Luke 3:23-38

1. What is the general significance of the genealogy in Luke’s gospel?

Genealogy gives us a humble perspective of where we fit into the panorama of history.

2. How do we answer the technical issues of the genealogy in Luke’s gospel?

23  Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24  the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25  the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26  the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27  the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28  the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29  the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30  the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31  the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32  the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon, 33  the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34  the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35  the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36  the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37  the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 38  the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. Luke 3:23-38 (ESV)

Matthew traces Jesus through Joseph (his legal father) to David’s son, Solomon the king, by whom Christ rightfully inherited the throne of David. Luke’s purpose, on the other hand, is to show Christ as an actual human.

Jeconiah: 30  Thus says the LORD: “Write this man down as childless, a man who shall not succeed in his days, for none of his offspring shall succeed in sitting on the throne of David and ruling again in Judah.” Jeremiah 22:30 (ESV)

MacArthur: Jesus could be legitimately Israel’s king despite being the descendent of Jeconiah (Matt 1:11). Jesus was the legal, but not physical, descendant of Jeconiah through Joseph. That avoided the curse that the Lord pronounced on Jeconiah, that none of his descendants would ever be king.

3. How do we better understand Jesus and His ministry from the genealogy in Luke’s gospel?

23  Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,  . . . 38  the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. Luke 3:23, 38 (ESV)

Arthur A. Just: “Jesus now embraces in himself every generation from Adam, the beginning of humanity. As such he now proceeds in his work as Messiah to redeem the humanity he bears in his own flesh. He is both son of Adam and Son of God, both true God and true man, with these two natures in one person.”

17  Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17 (ESV)