Jesus Teaches and Heals

Way of Life

Jesus takes time to teach. I want you to notice that He finds a place where he can stand above the people and teach. 17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Lk 6:17–19). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

For some reason when I study this passage I want to get stuck on the level place to stand. I think the significance for me is that if you are going to teach you prepare yourself. The distraction of standing on ragged ground would not allow him to teach effectively. The significant word in this early passage to me, is the multitude that has come to hear him teach.

English Standard Version Chapter 6

The Beatitudes

English Standard Version Chapter 6

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:

I can only imagine that this is like someone thinking deeply before he speaks and when he finishes he looks up. We might consider this prayer.

What Jesus teaches is quite revolutionary.

English Standard Version Chapter 6

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

At this time I don’t know that anyone felt blessed to be poor. I am quite sure that stands to be true today as well. Jesus is not saying here that the people in poverty are blessed, but that they are relying on God for their resources. Jesus is speaking to his disciples in this instance. They have been asked to give up their way of life to follow him. When they gave up their way of life they became poor.

English Standard Version Chapter 6

21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.

When we are in need we will be given. Jesus tells the people that being in need is a blessing because the Father will give to those in need. The wealthy had little need so they had theirs already.

English Standard Version Chapter 6

“Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Jesus is speaking here of those who realize that evil is significant and the troubles of the world go contrary to God’s will. They may weep because of their understanding now, but one day they will laugh, or rejoice.

English Standard Version Chapter 6

22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

Here Jesus is referring not to suffering in general but for those being persecuted. This persecution only comes to those who choose to follow Jesus. Those who suffer on account of the Son of Man. Jesus tells us that when this happens leap for joy because this is the sign that you will receive a great reward.

English Standard Version (Chapter 6)

Jesus Pronounces Woes

We can really look at these words as the opposite of blessings.

English Standard Version Chapter 6

24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.

This is a woe because the rich have received their prize. One must be wise when determining their end prize. Comfort in this life may jeopardize your future.

25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Lk 6:25). (2016). Crossway Bibles.

English Standard Version (Chapter 6)

“Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

English Standard Version Chapter 6

26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.