Senior Class Notes – March 10, 2024 – Toonigh Baptist Church

Spring 2024 Unit 1 Session 2 – The Ministry of Jesus; Luke 6:17-23; 27-31 PSG 24-33 CSB.

March 10, 2024

The Point: Through His miracles and teaching, Jesus pointed us to a relationship with God.

Inspirational verse: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear Children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Luke 6:17 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;^(KJV) After coming down with them, he stood on a level place with a large crowd of his disciples and a great number of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon.^(CSB)

This section of Luke’s Gospel is often referred to as the sermon on the plain. It has many similarities to the sermon on the Mount in Matthew, Chapters 5-7, but it is much shorter.¹⁶ Much of this sermon on the plain (v. 17) parallels the Sermon on the Mount, but there are differences as well as similarities. Jesus no doubt spoke similar messages on various occasions, even as preachers do today.¹³ Stood on a level place. Perhaps a plateau, as at the traditional site of the Mount of Beatitudes, which would satisfy both this context and that in Matthew 5:1.³⁶ If this is the same event as the sermon on the mount, the plain would be a plateau on the side of a mountain where Jesus went up to pray in Luke 6:12. In Matthew, the message is directed only to the disciples of Jesus (Matt. 5:1). While Luke added a crowd from Jewish regions – out of all Judaea and Jerusalem – (where Jesus would soon minister) and a crowd from Gentile regions – from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon. The two best explanations for the similarities and differences are that:¹⁶

After becoming acquainted with the material found in Matthew and Mark, Luke selected and shaped the content to fit his purposes in writing.¹⁶
(Luke 1:1) “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us.” A number of others had previously written about the life and works of Jesus. This may include the Gospels of Mark and Matthew since they preceded Luke’s writing. What was believed refers to how Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies.
(Luke 1:2) “Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;” Eyewitnesses included Mary the mother of Jesus, about whom Luke wrote more than any other New Testament author. Mary may have still been alive when Luke wrote his Gospel.¹⁶ And therefore was available for interviews by Luke as he did his research.¹²
(Luke 1:3) “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus” Luke did not find the previous narratives to be erroneous or inadequate; he wrote his Gospel to complement Luke studied the life and ministry of Jesus in meticulous detail and with comprehensive scope, including many aspects related to the births of John the Baptist and Jesus that are not found in the other Gospels.¹⁶
(Luke 1:4) “That thou mightiest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” Luke’s stated purpose for writing his Gospel was to provide historical certainty and theological clarity for Theophilus in regard to what he had been taught about Jesus.¹⁶
Since Jesus undoubtedly preached the same material in various locations, it is possible that the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the plain were presented on different occasions.¹⁶

Luke 6:18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.^(KJV) They came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those tormented by unclean spirits were made well.^(CSB)

The crowd did not gather just to hear Jesus preach. Many came to be healed of physical diseases or spiritual oppression by unclean spirits (demons). The word for vexed appears elsewhere only in Hebrews 12:15, where the KJV translates it “trouble.” So here it means “those who were troubled by unclean spirits.”¹⁴ Jesus’ healing ministry was extensive, both in the number of people healed, the places from which they came, and the maladies of which they were relieved.¹³

Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.^(KJV) The whole crowd was trying to touch him, because power was coming out from him and healing them all.^(CSB)

Jesus could detect if virtue is gone out of him “And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.” (Luke 8:46).¹⁶ “At once Jesus realized that power had gone out of Him. He turned around and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” (Mark 5:43). Since virtue (Greek dunamis, “power”) was coming out of him, all who touched Jesus were healed.¹⁶ Unlike modern-day healers, Jesus healed all who came to Him.¹³ “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.” (Luke 4:14). A large number have come to benefit from Jesus’ great healing power, yet Jesus uses this as an opportunity to teach. Luke indicates that Jesus’ words were addressed primarily to His disciples.¹⁷

Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.^(KJV) Then looking up at his disciples, he said: Blessed are you who are poor, because the kingdom of God is yours.^(CSB)

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said. This passage, which follows the selection of the twelve apostles, records some of their formal training from the lips of the Lord.¹³ Jesus does not attribute any intrinsic value to being poor, nor is there any automatic evil in being rich. Jesus says “Blessed be ye poor,” not “Blessed are all who are poor.” Luke’s account suggests that the poor in this case are the disciples who have chosen poverty in order to follow Jesus. It is not simply being poor that is blessed, but bring poor for Christ’s sake.¹⁷ Blessed be ye. Blessed means “happy,” referring to the special joy and favor that comes upon those who experience God’s grace.¹⁸ Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Certainly no one gets to heaven simply because he is financially destitute. Matthew 5:3 adds poor “in spirit.” One must realize his spiritual poverty before he will ever trust God’s provision for his need, but material poverty sometimes teaches one to depend on God entirely. The phrase kingdom of God is here equivalent to Matthew’s “Kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 3:2).¹³

Luke 6:21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.^(KJV) Blessed are you who are hungry now, because you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh.^(CSB)

Poverty, hunger, sadness, persecution, isolation, being falsely accused – seemingly a recipe for despondency. Yet such has traditionally been the lot of the faithful who have sought the Lord and not merely popular religion. If these conditions arise out of faithfulness to Christ (see also 1 Peter 3:14) “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.”, they are cause for rejoicing.¹⁴ Hunger . . . shall be filled Certainly not a prediction of more ample food supplies, this speaks of God meeting the spiritual needs of those who are hungry for what He has to offer.¹³

Luke 6:22 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.^(KJV) Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you, insult you, and slander your name as evil because of the Son of Man.^(CSB)

Likewise, there is no intrinsic merit in being rejected and persecuted, but only in being thus treated on Christ’s account “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” (1 Peter 2:20).¹⁸ There is no blessing for being hated because one is foolish, lazy, untrustworthy, inept, or unfaithful. One might deserve such treatment in these cases. But when one is hated simply because he is a good Christian, living a life of testimony for Christ, then he receives the blessing promised (cf. John 15:18-19; 1 Peter 2:19-20; 1 John 3:13).¹³ For the Son of man’s sake. Identification with Jesus usually leads to rejection and hardship, but the disciple who has left all to follow Jesus understands what placing Jesus first means. He or she also recognizes that God is aware of all suffering.¹⁸

Luke 6:23 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.^(KJV) Rejoice in that day and leap for joy. Take note – your reward is great in heaven, for this is the way their ancestors used to treat the prophets.^(CSB)

Verses 24-26 in this section are the exact counterpoint to verses 20-23 (Blessed vs. woe; poor vs. rich; hunger vs. full; when men shall hate you vs. when all men shall speak well of you). Jesus noted that rejection was what those in earlier generations did unto the prophets, while speaking well (v. 26) was the way they treated the false prophets. The implication is that Jesus growing rejection by the religious leaders is proof that He was a true prophet.¹⁶ Pronouncing woe (“alas for you”) was also part of the ministry of Isaiah, Amos, and Habakkuk.¹⁴

Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,^(KJV) But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you.^(CSB)

Christ’s disciples are to be characterized by actions of Love and generosity.¹⁶ Jesus’ teaching is 180 degrees from what people are accustomed to hearing. Not only does He teach love for one’s enemies; He refuses to justify retaliation or revenge for offenses. This is the context for the familiar Golden rule (6:31).¹⁴ The Golden Rule is the key to understanding the demands of love of neighbor. For the disciple, neighbor love must include every person, even enemies. Such love is not partial, nor is it selfish.³ The threat of religious persecution was very real when Jesus presented His command for extraordinary love.¹⁸ Jesus was not speaking to a general audience but to those were aligning themselves with Him (v. 6:20). To them He gave a standard of behavior impossible to achieve except through the Holy Spirit. Christians should respond to hatred with love and to antagonism with blessing. This rule applies to individual believers, not to states of governments assigned with keeping the peace.³²

Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.^(KJV) Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.^(CSB)

The reference to a cursing enemy suggests a context of religious persecution.¹⁸ Pray for them: Intercession for enemies is an important prayer for Christians. Prayer is agreement with God and must be in agreement with His character. To refuse to forgive is to violate God’s claim that vengeance is his alone (Romans 12:19).³

Luke 6:29 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.^(KJV) If anyone hits you on the cheek, offer the other also. And if anyone takes away your coat, don’t hold back your shirt either.^(CSB)

Here Jesus is seeking to inculcate [to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions] a godly spirit, which is exactly the opposite of how we normally react to situations around us. The point is that a man must be a Christian before he can exhibit Christian behavior.¹³

Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.^(KJV) Give to everyone who asks you, and from someone who takes your things, don’t ask for them back.^(CSB)

Ask them not again. The commands of verses 29 and 30 are expressed in such absolute terms that they force the listener to reflect on them by contrasting them with the normal responses people would have to such injustices.¹⁸

Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.^(KJV) Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them.^(CSB)

This verse is usually referred to as the Golden Rule. This is apparently a restatement of the second commandment: “Love thy neighbour as thyself” (Lev. 19:18).¹⁶ Jesus was not tossing around a popular cliché. Rather, He was creating a moral statement that based human actions and attitudes on God’s nature. Our actions toward others cannot be based on how we have been treated. When we belong to a kingdom ruled by a loving and all-powerful God, we can cease to worry about our own good. That is taken care of by the Father. We can instead focus on the good of others. We can dispense mercy without fear, knowing that we are recipients of our God who is merciful.¹⁹ Some have claimed that Buddha, Confucius, and even some rabbinical writings, all prior to Christ, contain the same teachings. This is only partly true, because their statements occur only in the negative: “Don’t do to someone else what you wouldn’t want him to do to you.” No positive action is contemplated. Jesus, however, requires His believers to initiate helpful actions toward others.¹³

References: Spring 2024, March 3, 2024 – May 19, 2024

(CWB) – Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry – Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Ltd. Copyright © 1960. Copyright 1961 by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan. 49506
(CWB#2) – Commentary practical and explanatory on the Whole Bible by Rev. Robert Jamieson, Rev. A.R. Fausset, Rev. David Brown by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan. 49506
(ESVSB) – The English Standard Version Study Bible, Personal size. Copyright © 2008 by Crossway. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway.
(ETB) – Explore The Book by J Sidlow Baxter. Copyright © 1960 by J. Sidlow Baxter. Published 1960 by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan.
(HISB) – The Holman Illustrated Study Bible – The Holman Illustrated Study Bible Copyright © 2006 by Holman Bible Publishers. The Holman Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers.
(HRTB) He Reads Truth Bible Copyright © 2019 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Based on the Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
(IMO) – On occasion, with the prayerful guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will make comments of my own, based on my understanding of the events. I will indicate such times with – In My O
(KJBC) – The King James Bible Commentary, Copyright © 1999 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. ©1983 by Old-Time Gospel Hour. Scripture quotations are from the Open Bible, King James version, © 1975 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
(KJSB) – The King James Study Bible, (previously published as The Liberty Annotated Study Bible and as The Annotated Study Bible, King James Version) © 1988 by Liberty University.
(LESB) Life Essentials Study Bible Copyright © 2019 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Based on the Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
(NCBD) – The Nelson’s Compact Bible Dictionary Copyright © 2004 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. with Scripture Quotations from the New King James Version of the Bible Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, 1990 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
(NIDNTT) – The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology Copyright © 1967, 1969, 1971 by Theologisher Verlag Rolf Brockhaus, Wuppertal. English Language edition Volume 1 Copyright © 1975, 1986, The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A. and The Paternoster Press, Ltd. Exeter, Devon, U.K.
(NIVBTSB) – The New International Version Biblical Theology Study Bible Copyright © 2018 by The Zondervan Corporation. Text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. previously published as The New International Version Zondervan Study Bible.
(NIVCBSB) – The New International Version Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Copyright © 2016 by The Zondervan Corporation text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. published by the Zondervan Corporation.
(NIVJSB) – The New International Version Jeremiah Study Bible, Copyright © 2016 by David Jeremiah, Inc. Using the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan.
(NIVLASB) – The New International Version Life Application Study Bible, Hardcover Edition. Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton Il. 60189. Hardcover editions are published by Tyndale house.
(NIVMEB) – The New International Version Ministry Essentials Bible, Copyright © 2014 by Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, LLC. Based on The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
(NIVSB) – The New International Version Study Bible Copyright © 1985 by the Zondervan Corporation text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the New York International Bible Society.®
(NIVSB #2) – The New International Version Study Bible Copyright © 1985, 1995, 2002, 2008, 2011, 2020 by Zondervan Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, USA. text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®
(NIVZSB) – The New International Version Zondervan Study Bible Copyright © 2015 by the Zondervan Corporation. Text from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
(NKJVBGTCB) – The New King James Version Billy Graham Training Center Bible © 2004 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. with Scripture Quotations from the New King James Version of the Bible Copyright © 1982, by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
(NKJVSB) – Holman Study Bible, New King James Version Edition Copyright © 2013 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tn. Text from the New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
(QNBD) – Quick Notes Bible Dictionary based on text from the King James Version of the Bible and cross referenced with the NIV and NRSV Bibles. Copyright © 1998 by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray.
(SEC) – Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Dictionaries of the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Testament words. Copyright © 1890 by James Strong. Based on the King James Version of the Bible.
(TATA) – The Acts of The Apostles by Charles Caldwell Ryrie Copyright © 1961 by The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.
(TDNT) – Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
(THBC) – Today’s Handbook of Bible Characters Copyright © 1979 by E.M. Blaiklock, published by Bethany House Publishers.
(TMEB) – The Ministry Essential Bible © 2014 by Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, LLC P.O. Box 3473 Peabody, Massachusetts 01961-3473.
(TZPEB) – The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, copyright © 1975, 1976 by the Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
(WIKI) Wikipedia – internet source.