Luke 6:27-38

It is a personal relationship of love and loyalty to the one who has loved us more than we can begin to imagine. And the test of that love and loyalty remains the simple, profound, dangerous and difficult command: love one another.

N. T. Wright

The proof of love is loyalty.

John Robert Walmsley Stott (English Preacher)

Notes:

Love of God is seen in the love of the most unlovely

Love (27), do good (27), bless (28), pray (28), offer the cheek (29), don’t withhold (29), give (30), lend (34), mercy (36), non-judgment (37), no condemnation (37), pardon (37), give (38)

Radical Love: The Call of Christ

Bible Passage: Luke 6:27–38

Summary: In this passage, Jesus teaches about a radical love that transcends societal norms—encouraging us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and show generosity without expecting anything in return.

Application: This sermon challenges Christians to embody a love that is often counterintuitive, helping them navigate conflicts and relationships with grace and integrity. It invites them to reflect on how they can actively love those who oppose or mistreat them, empowering them to overcome bitterness and resentment.

Teaching: The teaching emphasizes that love is not merely an emotion but a choice and action that reflects Christ's love for us, encouraging believers to engage in selfless acts of kindness even toward their adversaries.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, showcasing that the love we are called to embody mirrors the love Christ showed on the cross—an unconditional, sacrificial love for both friends and enemies.

Big Idea: The radical love of Christ confronts societal expectations and invites us to love others selflessly, modeling our actions after Jesus's unyielding compassion and grace.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using your Logos library, consider exploring the historical and cultural context of first-century Judea to better understand the revolutionary nature of Jesus' teaching on love. Investigating parallels with the Old Testament laws on love and enmity may also provide depth. Additionally, look into commentaries that discuss the challenges of translating key terms like 'love' and 'do good,' which could illuminate the richness of the text and its application today.

1. Love Your Enemies

Luke 6:27–30

Perhaps, you could illustrate how loving our enemies exemplifies countercultural behavior that mirrors Christ's example. This radical love Christ teaches is not passive but active, requiring us to bless and do good to those who oppose us. Suggest that by choosing love over hatred, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who loved unconditionally even on the cross. This proactive love can transform relationships and heal divisions, challenging listeners to go beyond societal norms and respond with kindness and compassion.

2. Live the Golden Rule

Luke 6:31–34

Maybe, you could emphasize the golden rule and its call to treat others as we wish to be treated, highlighting the reciprocal nature of loving actions. In these verses, Jesus challenges his followers to extend love and kindness beyond reciprocation. Encourage the audience to consider their motivations for doing good and to seek to embody Christ's selfless love, modeled in acts of kindness, not influenced by the expectation of return or reward.

3. Give, Expect Nothing Back

Luke 6:35–38

You could discuss how giving without expectation of return challenges our view on generosity. In these verses, Jesus underscores the idea that true love is sacrificial and unselfish, reflecting God's character. Encourage believers to adopt a lifestyle of radical generosity, mirroring the unconditional love they have received from Christ. By practicing kindness, mercy, and forgiveness, we exemplify the essence of Christ's teachings, inviting others to experience God’s abundant grace through our actions.