Luke Chapter 6

Good morning ☀️

Are you ready for Chapter 6? Let’s get into it.

Why did the Pharisees accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath?

The Pharisees thought the disciples broke the Sabbath by picking and eating grain. This was seen as breaking traditional Sabbath rules. In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was a day for rest and worship, and certain activities, like working, were not allowed.

Picking grain and rubbing it in their hands to separate the edible part from the husk was considered a form of work.

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8-11

Should I be resting on the Sabbath as a Christian today?

I’ve struggled to understand and apply this for most of my life. When we lived in the States, I felt it meant going to church on Sundays. For many years, I didn’t rest at all because I sold real estate and worked on the weekends.

Fifteen years ago, one of my employees challenged me to observe the Sabbath for 30 days.

Rest.
Spend time in scripture.
Spend time with family.
Spend time in nature.
Spend time with God.

Thirty days later, I felt blessed and rested. My thoughts were more clear. I felt more connected with God.

Why do we have rules for our kids?

“Get enough sleep.”
“Be honest.”
“Be kind.”
“Forgive.”
“Don’t eat a bunch of sugar.”

Because we know what’s best for them. We do it because we love them.

I think it’s the same with God and the Ten Commandments. He knows what’s best for us. He loves us.

Jesus emphasized the compassionate and merciful nature of God, challenging the Pharisees' rigid interpretation of Sabbath laws. His teachings suggested that the Sabbath was not meant to be a burden or a day devoid of acts of mercy and goodness. Instead, it should be a day of rest and an opportunity to do good, including helping those in need.

Jesus indirectly warned the Pharisees against turning the Sabbath into a legalistic practice that lost sight of its original purpose.

What was Jesus referencing when he mentioned David entering the Temple?

Jesus was referring to 1 Samuel 21:1-6

The Bread of the Presence consisted of twelve loaves of bread placed on a table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle or Temple. It symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel.

The bread was replaced every Sabbath, and the old loaves were consumed only by the Levitical priests. The significance of the Bread of the Presence is a representation of the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel.

What does the Son of Man mean?

By identifying as the "Son of Man," Jesus is making a monumental claim, referencing Daniel's prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14. This title, used in the Old Testament, carries Messianic significance, encompassing both humanity and divinity, implying a distinctive and divine authority.

It’s generally believed that the “Ancient of Days” is God the Father.

The "Ancient of Days" symbolizes God's eternal and majestic nature. It is a title highlighting God's authority and role as the ultimate judge and ruler over all creation.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel is addressed as the "Son of man" numerous times by God. It serves as a way of emphasizing Ezekiel's humanity and humility in the presence of the divine.

What’s the difference between Scribes and Pharisees?

In ancient Jewish society, scribes and Pharisees held significant influence, but they had different roles.

A scribe had two main roles: copying and interpreting the Law. They were crucial for preserving and passing on religious and legal traditions. Scribes were experts in understanding the Torah and other sacred texts. Their job involved transcribing and teaching the Law, and they could be found in places like synagogues and schools.

Pharisees were a religious group known for following the Law and traditions closely. They believed in resurrection, angels, and an afterlife, which distinguished them from other Jewish groups like the Sadducees.

Before choosing His 12 Disciples, Jesus prayed all night. That’s amazing to me. It shows that even though Jesus was the Son of God, He still prayed. How much more important is it for you and me to pray?

While on the cross, Jesus prayed while in intense pain and desperation. He quoted verses from Psalm 22 that vividly portrayed the extent of his suffering.

What’s a Zealot?

• The Zealots strongly opposed Roman rule and were dedicated to freeing Judea from foreign control. They aimed to establish an independent Jewish state and regain political and religious autonomy.

• Some Zealots supported using force against Roman forces. They carried out guerrilla warfare, ambushes, and uprisings, believing armed resistance was the path to liberation.

• Beyond political motives, the Zealots were driven by religious passion. They considered their struggle a righteous cause in line with God's will. Their ideology emphasized loyalty to God and opposition to pagan rule.

I love that Jesus chose a Zealot as one of his 12 disciples.

What’s the difference between the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain?

Honestly, I’ve read both and just assumed both were Sermon on the Mount. It makes me wonder how often I’ve read the Bible with minimal intention.

The Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain are two distinct but similar teachings of Jesus found in the Gospels, specifically in the books of Matthew and Luke. While there are similarities in content, there are also notable differences, including the location and the wording of certain teachings.

Luke writes about a similar but distinct sermon known as the Sermon on the Plain. In Luke, Jesus is described as coming down from a mountain and teaching the people on a level place, a plain, a different setting from Matthew's mountain.

Ok. I thought about continuing, but THERE IS SO MUCH GOLD in the rest of Luke. I don’t want to rush through it.

On Monday, we’ll go through the Sermon on the Plain

Today, I want to leave you with a song I can’t stop listening to this week. I think it’s because it reminds me of me not so long ago.

I hope it encourages you going into the weekend.

I CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE THE REST OF LUKE 6 ON MONDAY.

I love you,

George
Seeking after Christ