Luke 6:20-31
Luke was a physician, recruited by a local governor to ‘get the facts’ about Jesus’ life, teachings, and events. Learning about Jesus, with no hype, is helpful for everyone – then and now. But, these verses emphasize the difference Jesus makes for his followers.
Verses 20-26 lay out four timeless, life contrasts: poor/rich, hungry/full, weeping/laughing, rejected/accepted. Jesus’ message is: when we suffer from very real hurts, we may expect Jesus to be with us, caring for, leading and delivering us. These four contrasts, were common in Luke’s day, and still are, today. The point emphasizes what life is and can be, and the difference Jesus makes.
Part of Jesus’ love for us includes making us free to choose how we will live. This same love informs us of consequences. So, may we choose Jesus in all ways and in all things. Then, we will experience life as it can be – in joy and through sorrows.
Luke also records consequences for certain choices people make. If we do not do as Jesus teaches, there are woes. Rejecting Jesus separates us from God. Luke reminds us that Jesus is the source of life-as-it-can-be. Therefore, the choices we make will bring us blessings or woes.
Verses 26-31 continue Luke’s contrasts between what is good in life, and what hurts us. But, in these verses, he goes one step further. To be Jesus’ disciple (‘learner, follower’) means that we must follow the values and behaviours He expects of us. These include: loving our enemies who hate us; doing good to those who hate us; praying for those who abuse us; giving to everyone without restrictions (what we give and to whom).
Luke then summarizes Jesus’ point: Do unto others as we would want them to do for and to us. So what Luke says applies to everyone. We all have the ability to make life choices. Experiencing life as it can be with Jesus is grounded in what we choose and do. Rejecting Jesus and his values brings us woes and God’s disfavor.
Following Jesus does not mean that we will not suffer. For example, the loss of a loved one – especially a child – brings indescribable pain. Also, many of Jesus’ followers, then and now, suffer from poverty, hunger, wars, and natural calamities (flood, hurricane, drought etc). But, the difference between following Jesus, and choosing to go it alone, is the unlimited love, help and healing that only Jesus can and does give.
Yes, there are people, who go it alone and prosper. But, Jesus warns them and us. It’s only a matter of time before those who ‘have’ will soon ‘have not.’ There are consequences for our life choices.
Part of Jesus’ love for us includes making us free to choose how we will live. This same love informs us of consequences. So, may we choose Jesus in all ways and in all things. Then, we will experience life as it can be – in joy and through sorrows.
David Browning