Luke 6 – Expository Preaching and Study Guide for Church Leaders

Overview

Luke 6 presents a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus, showcasing His authority over the Sabbath, the calling of His twelve apostles, and His foundational teaching known as the “Sermon on the Plain.” This chapter parallels the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, emphasizing the nature of true discipleship, the kingdom ethic, and God’s upside-down values that confront religious formalism and worldly priorities. Jesus redefines what it means to be blessed, challenges superficial obedience, and calls His followers to radical love and mercy.

Theologically, Luke 6 highlights Jesus‘ divine authority, His fulfillment and reinterpretation of the Law, and His role as the true Teacher sent from God. The chapter powerfully affirms the authority of Scripture and Jesus as the authoritative interpreter of the Old Testament. The demands of discipleship are not optional but essential to kingdom living, rooted in the inerrant and authoritative Word of God.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background

Luke writes as a careful historian (Luke 1:1-4), compiling an orderly account of Jesus’ life. By the time of Luke 6, Jesus’ popularity is growing, but so is opposition from the religious leaders, especially over Sabbath observance and His growing authority.

The Sabbath disputes (vv. 1-11) reflect the increasing tension between Jesus and the Pharisees, who had developed elaborate traditions about Sabbath-keeping.
The appointment of the Twelve (vv. 12-16) reflects a new phase in Jesus‘ ministry, preparing to multiply His mission through chosen apostles.
The Sermon on the Plain (vv. 17-49) offers ethical and spiritual instruction that clarifies what it means to live as a disciple under God’s reign.

Literary Structure

Luke 6 is organized around:

Two Sabbath controversies (vv. 1-11)
Calling of the Twelve apostles (vv. 12-16)
The Sermon on the Plain:
- Blessings and woes (vv. 17-26)
- Love for enemies (vv. 27-36)
- Warnings about judgmentalism (vv. 37-42)
- Exhortations to fruitfulness and obedience (vv. 43-49)

Luke’s literary style emphasizes contrast—between the religious leaders and Jesus, the world’s values and the kingdom of God, false disciples and true obedience.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Authority of Christ

Jesus declares Himself “Lord of the Sabbath” (v. 5), asserting divine authority over the Law. This identifies Him as more than a rabbi—He is God incarnate.
His authoritative teaching (vv. 20-49) stands in contrast to the legalism of the Pharisees and establishes Him as the final and supreme interpreter of God’s Word.

Doctrinal Application: Jesus‘ lordship over the Sabbath affirms His deity and validates His role as the fulfillment of the Law (cf. Matthew 5:17). His authority reminds church leaders that biblical preaching must center on Christ and the Word He fulfills and proclaims.

2. The Nature of True Discipleship

Jesus redefines blessedness—not by wealth, popularity, or comfort, but by poverty, hunger, weeping, and persecution for His sake (vv. 20-23).
The Sermon on the Plain sets a radical standard: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, give without expecting return, and forgive as God forgives (vv. 27-36).

Doctrinal Application: True discipleship is marked by love, mercy, and obedience. These traits are not merely suggestions but evidences of regeneration and submission to Christ’s rule.

3. The Inversion of Worldly Values

Luke 6 presents a kingdom that turns the world upside down. The poor are blessed, while the rich face woe (vv. 24-26).
The values of Jesus‘ kingdom are spiritual and eternal, not material and temporal.

Doctrinal Application: The church must resist worldly definitions of success and instead proclaim the values of Christ’s kingdom. This calls for faithfulness even when unpopular.

4. Judgment and Accountability

Jesus teaches that judgment comes to those who judge hypocritically (vv. 37-42), and He warns about the danger of false profession (vv. 46-49).
The parable of the wise and foolish builders (vv. 47-49) emphasizes that only those who obey Jesus’ words will stand in the final judgment.

Doctrinal Application: Biblical preaching must warn against nominal Christianity and call people to full obedience to Christ’s Word. Pastors must teach not only grace but also the necessity of holiness and perseverance.

5. The Image of God and Imitating the Father

Jesus teaches that His followers must be merciful “just as your Father is merciful” (v. 36), showing that discipleship involves reflecting God’s character.
This mirrors the creation truth that humans are made in God’s image and are being restored through Christ.

Doctrinal Application: Sanctification involves growing into the likeness of God, particularly in mercy and love. This reflects the original purpose of creation and God’s restorative work through Christ.

6. The Sovereignty of God in Election and Mission

The calling of the Twelve (vv. 12-16) follows a night of prayer, indicating divine intentionality. Jesus chooses them not merely for companionship but for apostolic mission.

Doctrinal Application: Leadership in the church must be grounded in prayer, calling, and divine appointment—not personal ambition. This affirms God’s sovereign direction in the life of the church.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Luke 6:1-5 – Lord of the Sabbath

“The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (v. 5)

Explanation: Jesus and His disciples pluck grain on the Sabbath. The Pharisees object, citing their traditions. Jesus appeals to Scripture (David eating the consecrated bread in 1 Samuel 21:1-6), showing mercy supersedes ritual.
Doctrinal Insight: Jesus asserts authority over the Sabbath, a divine institution (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11), thereby claiming equality with God.
Application: Christians must avoid legalism and uphold mercy. The Lord of the Sabbath provides true rest (Matthew 11:28).

Luke 6:6-11 – Healing on the Sabbath

“I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil…?” (v. 9)

Explanation: Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand. The Pharisees prioritize law-keeping over compassion. Jesus exposes their hardness of heart.
Cross-Reference: Hosea 6:6 – “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
Application: Mercy is the mark of true righteousness. The church must reflect God’s compassion rather than religious coldness.

Luke 6:12-16 – Choosing the Twelve

“Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” (v. 12)

Explanation: Before calling the Twelve, Jesus seeks the Father in extended prayer. This underscores divine direction in ministry.
Doctrinal Insight: The selection of apostles was not random. It was a sovereign act guided by the Father’s will (cf. John 17:6).
Application: Church leadership must be prayerfully discerned. God appoints leaders; we recognize His call.

Luke 6:17-26 – Blessings and Woes

“Blessed are you who are poor… But woe to you who are rich…” (vv. 20, 24)

Explanation: Jesus pronounces blessings on those who are poor, hungry, and persecuted for righteousness. He contrasts this with woes on the rich, comfortable, and self-satisfied.
Cross-Reference: James 2:5 – “Has not God chosen those who are poor… to be rich in faith?”
Theological Insight: These verses invert worldly standards. True blessing is found in dependence on God, not material prosperity.
Application: Christians are called to kingdom-minded living, embracing suffering for Christ rather than earthly ease.

Luke 6:27-36 – Love Your Enemies

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (v. 36)

Explanation: Jesus calls for radical love that mirrors the Father’s character. Loving enemies and doing good without return reflect God’s heart.
Doctrinal Insight: This command mirrors God’s grace to sinners (Romans 5:8). It calls for gospel-centered living that imitates divine mercy.
Application: Believers are to embody the gospel in relationships, loving like Jesus loves—even the unlovable.

Luke 6:37-42 – Judging Others

“First take the plank out of your eye…” (v. 42)

Explanation: Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment. True discernment requires humility and self-examination.
Cross-Reference: Galatians 6:1 – “Restore gently… watch yourself.”
Application: The church must speak truth in love. Correction must be preceded by repentance and humility.

Luke 6:43-45 – A Tree and Its Fruit

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart…” (v. 45)

Explanation: One’s words and deeds reveal the heart. Righteous living flows from a regenerated nature.
Doctrinal Insight: This echoes the necessity of the new birth (John 3:3). Fruitfulness evidences saving faith (John 15:5).
Application: Evaluate spiritual health by your fruit. Gospel transformation changes both speech and action.

Luke 6:46-49 – The Wise and Foolish Builders

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (v. 46)

Explanation: Jesus illustrates the need for obedience. A foundation on Christ’s Word ensures stability in trials.
Cross-Reference: James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen… do what it says.”
Application: True faith is active. Churches must call people to obey Jesus, not merely admire Him.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Luke 6 reveals Jesus as the authoritative Son of God, the perfect Teacher, and the fulfillment of the Law:

Christ as the Fulfillment of the Law:
- Jesus reinterprets the Sabbath and righteousness in light of the gospel. His actions align with God’s original intent for rest, mercy, and holiness (cf. Matthew 5:17).
- His kingdom ethic overturns external religiosity and focuses on heart-level transformation.
Christ as the True Teacher:
- The Sermon on the Plain reveals Jesus as the greater Moses, giving the new covenant law of love, mercy, and holiness.
- His teaching demands more than surface morality; it requires regeneration and Spirit-filled obedience.
Christ as the Model of Mercy and Grace:
- Jesus exemplifies perfect love, even for enemies. He will soon demonstrate this fully at the cross (Luke 23:34).
- He models what He commands, making Him both Savior and example.
Christ and the Gospel Mission:
- By appointing the Twelve, Jesus initiates the church’s mission (cf. Acts 1:8). The gospel will go out through these chosen men, empowered by His Spirit.
- Luke 6 anticipates Christ’s greater work in establishing a people formed not by law but by grace.

Connection to God the Father

The Father’s Mercy (v. 36)
- Jesus calls His disciples to be merciful as the Father is merciful. This reflects the loving character of the Father, who is patient with sinners and generous in grace.
- God’s mercy is not passive but active—it seeks the good of those who don’t deserve it (Romans 2:4; Ephesians 2:4-5).
The Father’s Sovereign Will (v. 12)
- Jesus’ night of prayer before appointing the Twelve reveals His submission to the Father’s will. Every step of Christ’s mission was aligned with the Father’s redemptive plan (cf. John 6:38-39).
The Father’s Standard of Righteousness
- The commands in the Sermon on the Plain are not arbitrary. They reflect the moral character of the Father. God’s children are to reflect His likeness in action (Matthew 5:48).
The Father’s Judgment (vv. 24-26, 49)
- Woes and judgment imagery remind us that God the Father is not only merciful but also just. He will hold all accountable who reject His Son and spurn His Word.

Summary: Christ and the Father in Luke 6

Christ is the living Word, the Lord of the Sabbath, the ultimate Teacher, and the foundation of the new covenant.
The Father is the source of mercy, the one who guides Jesus’ ministry, and the righteous Judge.
Together, the unity of the Trinity is revealed: the Father ordains, the Son obeys and reveals, and the Spirit (introduced more fully in later chapters) empowers.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Luke 6

Though the Holy Spirit is not explicitly named in Luke 6, the chapter points to the Spirit’s work in several implicit and foundational ways. Luke’s Gospel—closely tied to the book of Acts—sets a trajectory for how the Spirit will continue Jesus’ ministry through the apostles and the Church.

1. Jesus’ Dependence on the Spirit

In Luke 4:1,14,18, Jesus is portrayed as full of the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him. That context carries into Luke 6, where we see Jesus engaging in Spirit-led discernment (e.g., choosing the Twelve after prayer) and Spirit-empowered teaching (vv. 20-49).
Jesus’ compassion, wisdom, and authority in healing and teaching reflect the fullness of the Spirit.

2. Formation of Spirit-Filled Leadership

Jesus chooses the Twelve in Luke 6:12-16 after prayerful communion with the Father. These men would later become foundational leaders of the Spirit-filled Church (cf. Acts 1-2).
The Spirit would empower them to carry out Jesus’ teaching and mission (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8).

3. Fruit of the Spirit Foreshadowed

The ethics in vv. 27-36 (love your enemies, do good, forgive, be merciful) anticipate the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23. Only Spirit-transformed hearts can live out such radical love.

4. Obedience through the Spirit

Jesus says, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (v. 46). Obedience is not external compliance but Spirit-enabled transformation (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Romans 8:4).

Summary: The Holy Spirit is not absent but foundational—empowering Jesus, preparing the apostles, and calling future disciples to live out kingdom ethics. The chapter anticipates Pentecost, where the Spirit brings this new kingdom to life in the Church.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Sermon Title: “Built on the Rock: Living the Kingdom Way”
Text: Luke 6
Main Idea: True disciples live according to Christ’s kingdom values, not by religious tradition or worldly success. Their lives are rooted in mercy, obedience, and Spirit-empowered love.

I. Kingdom Priorities Over Man-Made Religion (vv. 1-11)

Point: Jesus reclaims the Sabbath for mercy, not man-made rules.
Application: Are you resting in religious performance or Christ’s mercy?
Illustration: A man who volunteers at church every week but avoids reconciling with his brother—obedience must flow from mercy.

Transition: Jesus doesn’t only correct religion—He constructs a new kingdom community.

II. Kingdom Mission Requires God-Ordained Leaders (vv. 12-16)

Point: Jesus prays before appointing the Twelve—leaders are formed by the Father’s will and Spirit’s power.
Application: Church leaders must be prayerfully discerned and Spirit-filled, not self-promoting.
Example: A small rural pastor, unnoticed by the world, yet mighty through prayer and faithful teaching.

Transition: Now that Jesus has chosen His team, He teaches them what kingdom life looks like.

III. Kingdom Values Turn the World Upside Down (vv. 17-26)

Point: Blessing comes through poverty, persecution, and hunger for righteousness.
Application: Are you chasing comfort or kingdom reward?
Illustration: Testimony of a young Christian professional who left a high-paying job to serve in missions—losing worldly status but gaining kingdom purpose.

Transition: What does kingdom living look like in practice? Jesus lays it out clearly.

IV. Kingdom Love Reflects the Father’s Mercy (vv. 27-36)

Point: Loving enemies, doing good, and forgiving reflect God’s own character.
Application: Love isn’t reactive—it’s rooted in God’s mercy.
Illustration: Story of Corrie ten Boom forgiving a Nazi guard—living proof of supernatural, Spirit-empowered love.

Transition: But this kind of love requires humility and self-examination.

V. Kingdom Living Requires a Transformed Heart (vv. 37-45)

Point: Judging others hypocritically shows a lack of repentance. The fruit of your life reveals your heart.
Application: Ask the Spirit to examine and cleanse your heart daily.
Example: A church member who always criticized others, until God used a trial to humble and change her perspective.

Transition: Jesus closes with a warning to all who hear His words.

VI. Kingdom Obedience Is Built on Christ Alone (vv. 46-49)

Point: The wise builder hears and obeys; the foolish one hears but does nothing.
Application: What foundation are you building your life on—Christ’s commands or Christian culture?
Call to Action: Commit today to obeying Jesus. Don’t just listen—act!

Conclusion:

Build your life on the Rock—Jesus Christ.
Live a life of mercy, humility, and obedience, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The storms are coming. Only what’s rooted in Christ will stand.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Legalism vs. Mercy – The Sabbath Healing (vv. 1-11)

Modern Parallel: A church refuses to help a homeless man on Sunday because they’re “too busy with worship planning.”
Lesson: Don’t use religion to avoid compassion. True worship loves people.

2. Calling Leaders in Prayer – Jesus Prays All Night (v. 12)

Modern Example: A church plant that began with months of prayer before choosing its elders now thrives because it prioritized spiritual discernment over talent.

3. Upside-Down Values – Blessings and Woes (vv. 20-26)

Personal Story: A Christian gave away a bonus to help a struggling family instead of upgrading their phone. They testified how God met all their needs and increased their joy.

4. Radical Love – Love Your Enemies (vv. 27-36)

Real-life Testimony: A believer whose son was killed by gang violence eventually reached out to the killer’s family with forgiveness and the gospel.

5. The Foundation – Built on the Rock (vv. 46-49)

Analogy: A beachfront house built on sand looked beautiful until a storm destroyed it. Another, plainer home built on bedrock stood firm.
Lesson: Appearance isn’t enough. Obedience is the only secure foundation.

Application for Today’s Christian

Luke 6 provides a deeply practical and challenging blueprint for Christian living in a world that prizes self, status, and comfort. It calls believers to live differently—anchored in Christ, filled with mercy, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

1. Discipleship

Obey Jesus, not just admire Him (v. 46): Many say “Lord, Lord” but don’t follow His commands. Discipleship means hearing and doing.
- Practical Application: Regularly study Jesus’ words and put them into practice—especially when it’s hard. Choose forgiveness over resentment, truth over convenience, and holiness over compromise.
Love radically (vv. 27-36): Jesus calls us to love enemies, bless those who curse us, and give without expecting return.
- Practical Application: Reach out in kindness to someone who mistreated you. Pray for people you dislike. Give sacrificially to someone in need without seeking recognition.
Check your fruit (vv. 43-45): What comes out of your mouth and life reflects your heart.
- Practical Application: Do a heart audit. Ask others for feedback on your words and attitudes. Repent and ask God to bear the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

2. Stewardship

Steward your relationships: Judge with humility, not hypocrisy (vv. 37-42).
- Practical Application: Before confronting others, examine your own life. Serve others by building them up, not tearing them down.
Steward your influence: Like the apostles, every believer is chosen to participate in God’s mission (vv. 12-16).
- Practical Application: Use your spiritual gifts and time to serve your local church. Mentor someone younger in the faith. Pray about your role in God’s kingdom work.
Steward your foundation (vv. 46-49): What are you building your life on—culture or Christ?
- Practical Application: Make Christ the foundation of every decision—career, family, finances, ministry. Prioritize time with God in prayer and the Word.

3. Living Out Your Faith

Live counterculturally: Embrace suffering and sacrifice for Christ’s sake (vv. 20-26).
- Practical Application: Stand for truth even if it costs you promotion or popularity. Seek joy in Christ, not in material comfort.
Live mercifully: Be like your Father—merciful, forgiving, generous (v. 36).
- Practical Application: Volunteer for ministries that serve the broken. Practice active compassion at home, work, and in the church.
Live reflectively: Constantly evaluate whether your life is aligned with Jesus’ teaching.
- Practical Application: Use a journal or discipleship group to reflect on what you’re learning and how you’re growing in obedience.

Connection to God’s Love

Luke 6 is a vivid display of God’s love in action through Jesus Christ. Every word, healing, and instruction flows from God’s desire to restore a broken world.

1. God’s Love Restores

Jesus heals on the Sabbath, despite religious pressure (vv. 6-10). This shows God’s heart to restore the broken even when others resist.
He reclaims the Sabbath as a day of life-giving mercy, not burdensome rule-keeping.

2. God’s Love Chooses and Sends

Jesus prayerfully chooses the Twelve (vv. 12-16)—a reminder that God calls people not because they are worthy, but because He loves and equips them for His mission.

3. God’s Love Blesses the Humble

The beatitudes (vv. 20-23) reflect God’s heart for the lowly. He lifts up the poor, the hungry, and the persecuted.
His love does not promise worldly success but eternal reward for the faithful.

4. God’s Love Is Merciful and Radical

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (v. 36) summarizes God’s disposition toward sinners. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve (Psalm 103:10).
Jesus teaches love for enemies because God loved us when we were His enemies (Romans 5:10).

Summary: God’s love is not passive. It reaches down, restores, forgives, and transforms. Luke 6 reveals a God who is full of compassion and justice—who invites us to reflect that love in a hostile world.

Broader Biblical Themes

Luke 6 fits seamlessly into the grand narrative of Scripture, reflecting major biblical themes that span Genesis to Revelation.

1. Creation: Bearing the Image of God

Jesus calls His followers to live out mercy, love, and truth—traits that reflect God’s character.
In Genesis, humanity was made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). In Luke 6, Jesus calls us to restore that image by imitating the Father (v. 36).

2. Covenant: A New People for a New Kingdom

The calling of the Twelve echoes the twelve tribes of Israel, pointing to the formation of a new covenant people centered on Christ.
This anticipates the Church, a people redeemed by Christ’s blood and empowered by the Spirit to live under His lordship.

3. Redemption: From Law to Grace

Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, redefines righteousness—not by law-keeping but through heart obedience and mercy.
He points to a redemption that transforms from the inside out, fulfilling the law by love (Romans 13:10).

4. Kingdom of God: A New Way to Live

The Sermon on the Plain outlines life in the kingdom of God—marked by reversal, humility, and grace.
Jesus’ teaching contrasts the world’s kingdom (rich, proud, self-indulgent) with God’s reign, where the last are first and the meek inherit the earth.

5. Judgment and Restoration

The parable of the two builders (vv. 46-49) echoes biblical warnings (e.g., Deuteronomy 28, Psalm 1). Judgment comes for those who hear but do not obey.
Yet hope remains: those who build on Christ will stand. God restores those who trust and follow His Son.

Reflection Questions

These questions are designed to deepen understanding of Luke 6 and encourage application in personal discipleship, group study, or sermon reflection.

Luke 6:1-11 | Lord of the Sabbath

In what ways might we be tempted to prioritize religious rules over compassion and mercy?
How does Jesus’ response to the Pharisees challenge our understanding of Sabbath rest and worship?

Luke 6:12-16 | Calling of the Twelve

Why did Jesus spend an entire night in prayer before selecting the apostles? What does this teach us about seeking God’s will in leadership and decisions?
How can we prayerfully support those called to serve in ministry today?

Luke 6:17-26 | Blessings and Woes

Which of the beatitudes (vv. 20-23) speaks most to your current life situation? Why?
How does the contrast between blessings and woes shape your understanding of what God values?

Luke 6:27-36 | Love Your Enemies

Who is someone you struggle to love or forgive? How does Jesus’ command in verse 27 challenge you?
What does it look like in practice to “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful”?

Luke 6:37-45 | Judgment and Fruit

Are you more focused on the sins of others or your own need for repentance and growth? Why?
What kind of fruit is evident in your life right now? What does it reveal about your heart?

Luke 6:46-49 | Wise and Foolish Builders

Jesus ends this chapter by asking, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (v. 46). How does this challenge you personally?
What steps can you take this week to build your life more securely on the foundation of Christ and His Word?