Luke Bible Study 5: Jesus Begins to Teach

I. Background Information

II. Look at the Text (Luke 6:27-36)

Luke 6:27 “But I tell you who hear me: 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 one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not stop him from also taking your shirt. 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? Even sinners’ love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father in Heaven is merciful.

III. Label the Text

• Highlight v 31 since this summarizes Luke’s concern.
• Put a box around the verbs of the other commands Jesus gives his followers.
• Underline what our enemies do.
• Jesus says we will be sons and daughters of the Most High -- i.e. we are to be like our Father, God. How does God treat people?
  • v 35
  • v 36
• Mark anything else that seems important or interesting to you. Write any comments or ideas or questions in the margins of the text

IV. Reflect on the Text

The command Jesus gives in v 31 is known as ‘the Golden Rule’. What are some examples of how to live this way?

Jesus’ list of commands here are sort of upside down! Most people think you should love your friends and hate your enemies. Think about these commands. What might happen if you obey these commands?

What risks would we be taking?

What good things might happen?

What do you think we can learn about God if we do these things?

V. Personal Application

How have you seen God’s kindness and mercy to you recently?

What situations have you faced recently that were difficult for you to handle in this way?