==luke 6:1:

​And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.

​This verse marks the beginning of a significant controversy between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding the interpretation of religious laws.  The Pharisees considered the disciples' action of rubbing grain as "threshing," which they deemed forbidden work on the Sabbath. Jesus defended them by citing King David's example of eating sacred showbread when he was hungry, even though it was only for priests. This event sets the stage for Jesus' statement that "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" in Luke 6:5, emphasizing that the Sabbath's purpose is mercy and restoration, not strict rules. 

==Luke 6:2-26:

And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;
18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.
19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

==Luke 6:27-37:

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do
 good to them which hate you,
28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye
 also to them likewise.
32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also
 love those that love them.
33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye?
 for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much
​ again.
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend,
hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is
 merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not,
 and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Thomas Watson

​“Many like to hear of the love of Christ, but not of loving their enemies; they like the comforts of the word, but not its reproofs.”
― Thomas Watson, The Ten Commandments

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Mark Stirling

​But what about the “Gotcha” questions? Should we take them at face value? On the contrary, they reveal a set of underlying assumptions that are taken for granted in the public square. Bringing those assumptions to light could actually lead to intelligent dialogue and debate instead of our public life being characterised by polarised tribes shouting their slogans at each other, but never listening.
So what are the assumptions revealed by these attempts to catch out and exclude a Christian politician?
First, “Gotcha” questions are designed to expose “unacceptable” beliefs (in contrast to good journalism designed to reveal a candidate’s competence or character). They assume that some views are incompatible with Scottish public life. This, in turn, assumes a set of views (and values) that is acceptable. There is, in other words, an approved set of orthodox beliefs that is assumed.
Going a little deeper, “Gotcha” questions tell us a lot about how our society deals with disagreement on moral issues. Is it possible to think someone’s views are wrong, but not hate them? Contemporary discourse, especially concerning “feeling safe” or “hurt”, or in the area of “hate-speech”, assumes moral disagreement must go hand-in-hand with hatred, bigotry and use of the law to disadvantage someone. But this cuts both ways; people assume that a Christian in public office will be prejudiced against anyone they disagree with morally and legislate against them. However, this could be a form of projection. Isn’t this exactly what the secular political establishment does to those with “unacceptable views”? Recent history of law-making in Scotland suggests that the impulse to use law to silence or marginalise those we morally disagree with is very much a feature of our political leaders.
The issue with all this for Christians is that such an approach to moral disagreement is exactly the opposite of what Jesus commands. Far from condemning, hating or marginalising, Christians are commanded to be merciful and kind “to the ungrateful and wicked” because that’s what God is like (Luke 6:35-36). They break Jesus’ direct command when they put themselves in God’s place as judge, condemning those who disagree with them. Of course, exercising kindness and mercy does not mean suspending moral categories, but it does mean refusing to hate or condemn.     -Mark Stirling; Solas; ​Kate Forbes and the “Gotcha” Questions. 8/21/23

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​February 3, 2026: Lee Eclov wrote: I talked with a young pastor recently who, along with the elders, had been viciously attacked by contentious members. “I’m not sure I’ll recover,” he told me. The shepherd David wrote “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” (I hear that Amen!)
Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain wasn’t from the Joel Osteen playbook. He starts with, “Blessed are the poor” and moves down to…
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also….
(Luke 6:27-29)
Jesus was speaking primarily about the hateful enemies his disciples face in the world. But let’s apply his words to help us deal with the painful wounds we occasionally suffer in caring for our congregations.
Some hurts can be forgotten but others cannot and should not be stuffed down. Wounds fester and lead to grudges, a besetting sin of pastors. Instead, Jesus tells us how to leverage even the hatred of enemies to kingdom advantage.​He instructs us in the kingdom secret to becoming merciful, a sacred virtue that can only be gained if we’ve been hated, cursed, or mistreated. But if we learn to be merciful…
Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (v.35)

==Luke 6:38:

​Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Developing a mindset of generosity can transform your daily life, and you don't have to be wealthy to do it. 
Rather than approaching life from a place of scarcity or fear, trust that God will provide for your needs. A generous heart shows faith in God's abundance and frees you from greed and materialism. Consciously seek out chances to be generous, whether through material resources, encouragement, or kindness. The more you give, the more you will notice opportunities to do so, creating a positive, reciprocal cycle.
Keep a record of the blessings you have received, both large and small. By recognizing how you have been generously provided for, you foster a heart of gratitude that motivates you to continue giving.

​This passage emphasizes the principle of reciprocity, suggesting that the generosity with which one gives will determine the generosity with which they receive. The imagery of a container being pressed and shaken to make more room highlights the abundant blessing that comes from a generous spirit. 
Key elements of Luke 6:38:
"Give, and it will be given to you": This is the core command and promise of the verse. 
"A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over": This vivid description illustrates an abundant and overflowing return, referencing the practice of packing dry goods into a measure to fit more. 
"Will be poured into your lap": The reference to the lap alludes to the folds of a mantle or robe worn by Jews at the time, into which goods could be collected. 
"For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you": This reinforces the principle that the extent of one's own generosity determines the extent of the blessings received back. 
     The verse encourages Christians to be generous in their giving, with the understanding that God will respond with abundance.  Reciprocal nature of giving: It suggests that giving is not a one-way act but creates a cycle where generosity is met with generosity.  The generosity demonstrated in giving can foster a spirit of helpfulness and sensitivity from others, creating a more positive and responsive environment.  Some interpretations suggest that the act of giving, even small amounts, is an act of trust in God to provide and overflow one's life. 

Jesus introduces the concept that the act of giving leads to receiving. This giving is not limited to money, but extends to generosity in attitude, kindness, mercy, and forgiveness.
A "good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over" imagery comes from the ancient marketplace, describing the way merchants would generously fill a customer's container with grain. The grain would be pressed down, shaken to settle, and then heaped to overflowing to show that the merchant was giving an abundant and generous measure.
In this culture, a person's outer garment could be gathered up at the waist to form a pocket, or "lap," for carrying goods. This phrase signifies that the generous return will be plentiful and far exceed what was originally given. The specific imagery of a "good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over" signifies an abundant and overflowing blessing. The original Greek word for "measure" (metron) implies a standard or rule, suggesting that the attitude with which one gives will determine how they receive. 
The final clause states the principle of proportional return. The amount of generosity, mercy, or judgment that you extend to others is the same standard that will be applied back to you, by both God and other people. This principle extends beyond material wealth to spiritual generosity, including giving love, forgiveness, and grace to others. 
     Luke 6:38 is part of Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain," where he reorients his listeners toward the values of the Kingdom of God.  The teaching is often misconstrued as a financial formula promising wealth for those who tithe or give money to the church. However, within its broader context (Luke 6:27–38), the passage follows Jesus' teachings on loving one's enemies, not judging others, and being merciful. The verse illustrates the "sowing and reaping" principle found throughout the Bible (Galatians 6:7–9). It is a holistic message about the attitude of the heart. Giving with a generous spirit—whether it is love, forgiveness, or material resources—will lead to blessings in abundance, often from surprising sources.
This teaching is a call to faith and counter-cultural generosity. The motivation for giving should not be the selfish desire for personal gain, but rather to bless others and honor God. The promise of an overflowing return is a byproduct of a generous heart, not the goal of giving itself. 

April 30, 2025: John Piper wrote: How many times does the Christian preacher hear the Lord say, “You give them something to eat”? To which we respond, “I don’t have anything except this tiny lunch of five loaves and two fish. What good is that among so many?” To which Jesus responds, “Give it to me.” He touches it. He blesses it. He works a miracle with your meager contribution. And when the day is over, there are twelve baskets full, one for each empty, helpless preacher (Matthew 14:20–21). This is true, brothers. I testify that for fifty years the Lord Jesus has not failed to feed me when I feed the sheep.
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)
When God called me from academia to the pastorate, there was a long struggle. On the decisive night, October 14, 1979, approaching midnight, I wrote in my journal what I thought I would be losing. Here’s a sampling:

• I would lose the simplicity of task and routine in the college. My life and time would be much less my own.
• I would lose the serenity of undisturbed hours of study because the needs of the flock are unpredictable.
• I would lose the quiet of the study and trade it for hours in the car on the way to the hospital and to homes.
• I would lose the collegial stimulation of fellow theologians in return for a draining ministry to the hungry.

In other words, I was afraid that God would not feed me with the wisdom and the insight and the glory of his word if I had to live with the pressures of the pastoral ministry. And oh, how wrong I was. I believe that God delights to give exegetical breakthroughs, glorious insights, Solomon-like wisdom, prophetic gifting, contagious affections, and fresh expressions to desperate pastors who give him their five loaves and two fish, and look to him for the miracle. God feeds preachers who feed his sheep.

​The principle of Luke 6:38 is not a transactional formula for getting rich, but a guide for how you should treat others. Jesus connects generosity with avoiding a judgmental spirit and practicing forgiveness. 
1) Actively choose to forgive those who have wronged you, even if they have not asked for it. By releasing grudges, you free yourself from bitterness and open the way for grace to be extended to you.
2) Instead of criticizing others for their mistakes, offer understanding and empathy. When you stop judging, you will stop being judged by others in return.
3) In line with the broader context of Luke 6, respond to insults or mistreatment with prayer and well-wishes rather than retaliation. This counter-cultural response breaks the cycle of negativity and reflects God's own kindness toward the ungrateful. 
    Beyond attitude, you can physically demonstrate generosity in various ways, understanding that what you give will be multiplied back to you. Volunteer your time for a cause you care about, or simply offer your skills to help a friend or neighbor with a project. A generous gift of your presence and abilities can return blessings in the form of deeper relationships and community. The image of "pressed down, shaken together, and running over" represents a quality of abundance that goes beyond what is required. This can be applied by adding a small, unexpected kindness to an everyday interaction, like paying for the coffee of the person behind you in line. Give your undivided attention to someone who needs to talk. Forgoing your own distractions and offering genuine focus is a generous gift that builds trust and strengthens relationships

​Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. (Luke 6:38)
In this context, Jesus has instructed his disciples on how they should treat others, and then how they will be treated by “the Most High” who is “your Father.” Verse 37: “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Jesus’s pattern is this: treat others on earth well, with an explicit view toward the benefit that comes from heaven.
Christ’s ethic is plainly not the natural human ethic that says, “Treat others well, and they will treat you well in return.” He expressly denies that in verse 34: “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.” Rather, Jesus says, “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great” (verse 35).
“When God gives, he does not hold back. He doesn’t cut corners. He’s a cheerful, generous giver.”The “credit” or “benefit” (Greek charis) to which Jesus makes explicit appeal is not what others will do for you in return but what your heavenly Father will be and do for you. You give to others, seeking nothing in return from them, because you are looking to the reward you will receive from God. Oh, you are seeking return, but not from man — from God. And when God gives, he does not hold back. He doesn’t cut corners. He’s a cheerful, generous giver: “good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over”!  --David Mathis 2.11.25

==Luke 6:42:

Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

​Most of us live by a double standard. We judge ourselves one way, but set up another set of rules for others. When we sin, we are quick to explain our reasons behind our disobedience: “I was exhausted, I didn’t know what I was doing, I was under a lot of stress”, etc. We feel that by pointing out the cause will somehow make us an innocent victim rather than guilty party. When it comes to other people, however, that’s another case. We then don our judge robe and pronounce them guilty, regardless of the evidence. “He knew better. This isn’t the first time. There’s no excuse” etc… Be careful. Your judgement will oft times reveal more about you then about the one you are judging.

==Luke 6:43-45:

​“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

​It is clear that Jesus is teaching us that our lives should bear fruit that glorify Him. We should not say we love Jesus in one breath and curse mankind in the next breath. Jesus says that the good treasure in our heart should bring forth good and that out of the abundance of our heart, we speak. A heart that loves the Lord will seek to serve Jesus and will do things with their life that prove their faith is real.
​How does one get a heart that loves the Lord? Listen again to Jesus: “Repentance leads to the acquisition of the Fruits of the Spirit or it was not repentance.” MATTHEW 3:10 Here Jesus is teaching us that repentance is the key. Confess your sins, be baptized and turn from sin of every kind and the fruits of the Spirit are yours. Jesus clarifies that point in Matthew when he says, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” MATTHEW 6:33 NKJV -Gospel Global Vision

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==luke 6:46:

​ “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?

==luke 6:47-48:

Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 
​48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.

​The passage outlines three specific actions required for spiritual resilience: 
Coming to Jesus: Establishing a personal relationship and approaching Him for instruction.
Hearing His Words: Taking the time to listen and understand His teachings.
Acting on Them: The most critical step—transforming knowledge into active obedience. 
Core Meaning and Symbolism
The House: Represents your life, character, and spiritual state.
The Foundation: Symbolizes the core principles and beliefs on which you base your decisions. Building on "the rock" refers to grounding your life in Jesus Christ and His Word.
The Flood: Represents the inevitable "storms of life"—trials, temptations, tragedies, or the final judgment—that test the strength of your character.
The Outcome: A life built on active obedience is "unshakeable." It does not mean the storm won't happen, but rather that the individual will not be destroyed by it.