Jesus Speaks the Meat of the Word!
If you have a red-letter Bible, where Jesus’ words are displayed in red ink, you’ll see that Jesus had plenty to say in Chapter 6. There are 49 verses in this chapter, including the following stories:
- Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath
- Healing on the Sabbath
- The Twelve Apostles
- Jesus heals a great multitude
- The Beatitudes
- Jesus pronounces woes
- Love your enemies
- Do not judge
- A tree is known by its fruit
- Build on the rock
Encouraging Verse: Luke 6:35-36
“But love your enemies, 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 Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (NASB)
The Context
In Chapter 6, we see the strong side of our Savior—the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He has much to teach in this chapter. In verse 5, Jesus makes it clear to the Pharisees that He is Lord of the Sabbath, and thus has the authority to heal on that day. He then calls His disciples after a full night of prayer and continues healing, delivering, and teaching the great multitude that follows Him.
We move into what can be called the “meat of the Word.” Jesus speaks powerfully on matters of the Kingdom. After releasing the Beatitudes, He pronounces His woes. It’s from this context that we hear His teaching on how we should treat our enemies. We are called to be worthy ambassadors of His Kingdom, even loving our enemies! This is the backdrop of Luke 6:35-36 and why I’ve chosen this verse for today. 😊
My Thoughts
Remember, I always say that the Lord does not ask us to do anything that we are incapable of or that isn’t for our good! So, as difficult as this command may appear, it is doable! We all have enemies. Personally, I’ve been graced not to know mine, but I’m sure I have some. Why? Because it’s part of the package; it comes with walking in the LIGHT. Darkness does not like Light, and the enemy of all enemies has those in alliance with him who will oppose and come against those walking in the marvelous light of Christ (1 Peter 2:9).
For those who can name names and recall the grievous actions of those who have come against them, this verse may be particularly difficult to hear and execute. The kind of love mentioned in our verse is agape—unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. It is not based on feelings or reciprocation, but on the will and decision to love others, especially when they may not return that love. You certainly will not feel eros or philia (brotherly) love towards an enemy. It must be the same love that the Lord showed us! We must tap into what God so graciously gave us when we were sinners and enemies of His Kingdom. We must learn to forgive! (Read my blog on forgiveness here: Forgiveness: Letting Go, Moving Forward)
This verse also challenges us to do good—to do favors so others may benefit from them (AMPC)—and to lend without expecting accolades or recognition. Lend, not to have something to hold over someone’s head, and not to gain interest like a lending institution. Lend with no expectations! Lend and be willing to part with that money or thing forever. This is difficult teaching, especially in tough economic times. It’s hard not to hold everything tightly, but yet…
Have you ever heard the phrase, “You can’t outgive God”? Well, that’s not exactly in the Bible, but the principle behind it is. A few verses later, in Luke 6:38, Jesus assures us, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” We are also told that when we give to the poor, we lend to the Lord (Proverbs 19:17). So, we can be fully assured of two promises:
- Our reward will be great!
- We will be sons of the Highest—rich, strong, intense, and abundant! (AMPC)
What does it mean to be ‘Sons of the Highest’?
There are many Bible verses that speak of us being children of God and highlight the relationship and privileges that come with being part of God’s family:
- Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
- Galatians 3:26: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.”
- Galatians 4:6: “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’”
- 1 John 3:1: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
Then comes our final instruction: Be merciful! When we do these things—love, do good, and lend—we will be showing mercy. The Greek word used for mercy in this verse, oiktirmón, describes a deep sense of compassion, often attributed to God or expected of believers. It conveys heartfelt empathy and a readiness to alleviate suffering. The Amplified Bible says it is sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate.
In the Kingdom of God, what God requires of us to be and do for our fellow human beings is simply what He has already done for us! He is merciful! I know none of us can honestly say we have not been recipients of God’s mercy at some point. Even if you are a “goody-two-shoes,” at some point, God did not judge you but showed mercy instead! I can certainly raise both hands here! Lord, thank You for Your mercy!
Practical Application
The instructions in this verse are clear. In our everyday lives, we are told to:
- Love our enemies – Learn to forgive and not take offense.
- Do good to others – Be that ‘fruitful’ Christian who shares and releases the fruit of the Spirit wherever we go.
- Lend to those in need – Whenever we have the opportunity and means to do so.
- Extend mercy – We’ve all missed the mark and received much mercy, so let’s extend that mercy to others.
- EXPECT – If God promised a reward, then look for it. He is not a man that He should lie.
- Walk in your position as a ‘son of the Highest’ – Take up and use the authority and power that comes with this title.
Your Turn 😊
What are your thoughts on Luke 6:35-36?
How can you apply this passage to your life?
Do you have a favorite verse or takeaway from this chapter?
Please share your insights—I’d love to hear from you!
Until tomorrow –
Peace & Love,
Coach D
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