None Greater...John: Luke 7:24-30

None Greater . . . John
Luke 7:24-30

Outline by John Macarthur

1. John’s Personal Character
24  When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25  What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. Luke 7:24-25 (ESV)

2. John’s Privileged Calling
26  What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27  This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 28  I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:26-28 (ESV)

1  “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:1 (ESV)

3  Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 (ESV)

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:16-17 (ESV)

25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:25-27 (ESV)

3. John’s Powerful Contribution
29  (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30  but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.) Luke 7:29-30 (ESV)

3  And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:3 (ESV)

7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Luke 3:7-8 (ESV)

Doubting John?: Luke 7:18

Doubting John?
Luke 7:18

1. The question from John’s doubt
18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” Luke 7:18-20 (ESV)

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (ESV)

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 (ESV)

2. The answer to John’s doubt
21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. Luke 7:21-22 (ESV)

3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” 5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; Isaiah 35:3-6 (ESV)

3. The warning in John’s doubt
23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me. Luke 7:23 (ESV)

14  And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15  And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.” Isaiah 8:14-15 (ESV)

The Dead Speak: Luke 7:11-17

The Dead Speak
Luke 7:11-17

1. A Dead Man
11  Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12  As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out . . . Luke 7:11-12 (ESV)

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— Romans 5:12 (ESV)

2. A Devastated Mourner
12   . . . a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. Luke 7:11-12 (ESV)

3. A Discerning Master
13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Luke 7:13 (ESV)

5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5 (ESV)

3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4  who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)

22  The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23  they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

4. A Divine Miracle
14  Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15  And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Luke 7:14-15 (ESV)

The term for bier refers to an open coffin or a plank upon which the shrouded corpse would lie.

Jesus commanded the corpse to arise and ironically the dead man sat up, which emphasizes the lack of effort in Jesus’ resuscitations as compared to that of the prophets.

5. A Devotional Moment
16  Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” Luke 7:16 (ESV)

“Fear” expresses the emotional reaction of awe and respect from the onlookers toward God’s work.

The language of God visiting His people echoed the promises that were made by Zechariah before Christ was born (see Luke 1:68, 78).

Zechariah:
68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people Luke 1:68 (ESV)

6. A Distributed Message
17  And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. Luke 7:17 (ESV)

28  Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29  and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. John 5:28-29 (ESV)

Amazing Faith: Luke 7:1-10

Amazing Faith
Luke 7:1-10

1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. Luke 7:1-2 (ESV)

1. Kindness overcame hatred
3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” Luke 7:3-5 (ESV)

8  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)

2. Humility overcame pride
6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 
7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. . . Luke 7:6-7 (ESV)

6  We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. Isaiah 64:6 (ESV)

3. Faith overcame doubt
7  . . . But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” Luke 7:7-9 (ESV)

All they had to do was say the word and things happened.

4. Grace overcame need
10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. Luke 7:10 (ESV)

Building and Behavior: Luke 6:46-49

Building and Behavior
Luke 6:46-49

1. A problem with fickle behavior
46 Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Luke 6:46 (ESV)

Submission to Jesus’ Lordship is evidenced by genuine obedience.

9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, Hebrews 5:9 (ESV)

18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, Romans 15:18 (ESV)

26 . . . through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—Romans 16:26 (ESV)

2 . . . for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood . . . 1 Peter 1:2 (ESV)

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 (ESV)

2. A promise for faithful behavior
47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. Luke 6:47-48 (ESV)

2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2(ESV)

4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV)

Faithful disciples are those who keep coming, hearing, and doing Jesus' words.

3. A prediction for faithless behavior
49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:49 (ESV)

The appearance of what one has built with “faithless behavior” may appear identical to that which was built by the one with “faithful behavior,” but in essence the foundations are different.

11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV)

Ordained for Service: Exodus 29:1-21

Ordained for Service
Exodus 29:1-21

Getting things ready:
1 “Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests. Take one bull of the herd and two rams without blemish, 2 and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers smeared with oil. You shall make them of fine wheat flour. 3 You shall put them in one basket and bring them in the basket, and bring the bull and the two rams. Exodus 29:1-3 (ESV)

1. Washed for service:
4 You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 5  Then you shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the coat and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastpiece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod. Exodus 29:4-5 (ESV); Titus 3:5

2. Robed for service:
6 And you shall set the turban on his head and put the holy crown on the turban. Exodus 29:6 (ESV); Galatians 3:27

3. Anointed for service:
7  You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him. Exodus 29:7 (ESV); 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

4. Atoned for service:

The sin offering was a substitute that atoned for the guilt of sin:
10  “Then you shall bring the bull before the tent of meeting. Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the bull. 11  Then you shall kill the bull before the LORD at the entrance of the tent of meeting, 12  and shall take part of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and the rest of the blood you shall pour out at the base of the altar. 13  And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, and the long lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar. 14  But the flesh of the bull and its skin and its dung you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering. Exodus 29:10-14 (ESV)

The burnt offering signified dedication to the Lord:
15 “Then you shall take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram, 16 and you shall kill the ram and shall take its blood and throw it against the sides of the altar. 17 Then you shall cut the ram into pieces, and wash its entrails and its legs, and put them with its pieces and its head, 18 and burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the LORD. It is a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD. Exodus 29:15-18 (ESV)

The last offering, the ram of ordination, sanctified the priests for their sacred duty:
19  “You shall take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram, 20  and you shall kill the ram and take part of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tips of the right ears of his sons, and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the great toes of their right feet, and throw the rest of the blood against the sides of the altar. 21  Then you shall take part of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and his sons’ garments with him. He and his garments shall be holy, and his sons and his sons’ garments with him. Exodus 29:19-21 (ESV); Hebrews 9:12

Heart Fruit: Luke 6:43-45

Heart Fruit
Luke 6:43-45

1. The metaphor of heart fruit
43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, Luke 6:43 (ESV)

The fruit tree produces a proof positive indicator of health, its fruit.

2. The recognition of heart fruit
44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. Luke 6:44 (ESV)

The fruit tree produces fruit in accordance with its nature.

3. The source of heart fruit
45  The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil . . . Luke 6:45 (ESV)

The source of change must come from the heart, and only God can change a heart.

26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)

4. The application of heart fruit
45   . . . for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 (ESV)

What people speak about most clearly reveals their heart.

2  and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)

Wrong Vision: Luke 6:39-42

Wrong Vision
Luke 6:39-42

1. The vision of false teachers is blind
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” Luke 6:39 (ESV)

21 “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not, who have ears, but hear not. Jeremiah 5:21 (ESV)

16  “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17  You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? Matthew 23:16-17 (ESV)

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 (ESV)

2. The vision of false teachers is reproduced
40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40 (ESV)

3. The vision of false teachers can be hypocritical
41  Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42  How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. Luke 6:41-42 (ESV)

19  and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20  an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— Romans 2:19-20 (ESV)

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)

2  Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 1 Peter 2:2 (ESV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

A Magnanimous Love: Luke 6:37-38

A Magnanimous Love
Luke 6:37-38

16  Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16 (ESV)

1. A love that does not judge unbiblically
37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged . . . Luke 6:37 (ESV)

6  Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. Matthew 7:6 (ESV)

17  I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. Romans 16:17 (ESV)

24  Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” John 7:24 (ESV)

2. A love that does not condemn
37  condemn not, and you will not be condemned . . . Luke 6:37 (ESV)

 24  Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, 25 lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Proverbs 22:24-25 (ESV)

3. A love that has a forgiving spirit
37  . . .  and you will be forgiven . . . Luke 6:37 (ESV)

4. A love that gives
38 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 (ESV)

9  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)

7  Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 8  Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9  Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10  For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11  let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:7-12 (ESV)

2  For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:2 (ESV)

A New Love Ethic: Luke 6:32-36

A New Love Ethic
Luke 6:32-36

1. The reverse of unconditional love
32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And 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. Luke 6:32-34 (ESV)

For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?Matthew 5:46 (ESV)

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Matthew 18:17 (ESV)

O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? . . . 5  who does not put out his money at interest. Psalm 15:1-5 (ESV)

Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. Proverbs 28:8 (ESV)

2. The rewards of unconditional love
35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35 (ESV)

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45 (ESV)

 3. The reflection of unconditional love
36  Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 (ESV)

You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 (ESV)

Loving Difficult People (Part 2): Luke 6:27-31

Loving Difficult People (Part II)
Luke 6:27-31

4. How to love people who hit you
29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also . . .
Luke 6:29 (ESV)

23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 
John 18:23 (ESV) 


According to rabbinic law, to hit someone with the back of the hand was twice as insulting as hitting him with the palm of the hand.

Jesus is encouraging his disciples not to fight back or retaliate when insulted.

5. How to love people who haul you into court
 . . . and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 
Luke 6:29 (ESV)

The example of the cloak probably refers to the responsibility one must take when he or she has committed a wrong.

We are to try to rectify the situation and treat others right by making an extra effort.

6. How to love people who heist your stuff
30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. Luke 6:30 (ESV)

The kingdom citizen holds his possessions loosely and generously gives to him who asks; the assumption is that it is a legitimate need.

1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1 (ESV)

24  One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25  Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV)

9  Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. Proverbs 22:9 (ESV)

17  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20  To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (ESV)

The principle: 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. 
Luke 6:31 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe: We must not look at these admonitions as a series of rules to be obeyed. They describe an attitude of heart that expresses itself positively when others are negative, and generously when others are selfish, all to the glory of God.

Loving Difficult People (Part 1): Luke 6:27-31

Loving Difficult People (Part 1)
Luke 6:27-31

1. How to love people who hate you
27  But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you Luke 6:27 (ESV)

18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. 
Leviticus 19:18 (ESV)

21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (ESV)

When believers face hatred, they are to respond by seeking the welfare of those who hate them.

2. How to love people who heckle you
28 bless those who curse you . . . Luke 6:28 (ESV)

The word “bless” literally means “to speak well.”

23  When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 (ESV)

3. How to love people who hurt you
28  . . . pray for those who abuse you. Luke 6:28 (ESV)

This kind of hurt involved in abuse is emotional hurt, mental anguish, and pain.

Kingdom Values: Woes: Luke 6:24-26

Kingdom Values (Woes)
Luke 6:24-26

1. The cursed pillar of prosperity
24  “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Luke 6:24 (ESV)

The Greek word for woe (ouai) is more a word of lamentation than of condemnation. Deuteronomy 8:18

Riches cause people to feel self-sufficient and to feel that they have found the happiness for which they were seeking.

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 (ESV); Hebrews 11:24-26

2. The cursed pillar of plenty
25  “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry . . .” Luke 6:25 (ESV)

This is probably a reference to people who are sinfully or carnally full and spiritually empty. Colossians 3:1-2; John 15:11

3. The cursed pillar of the party mentality
25   . . . “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.” Luke 6:25 (ESV)

The word for laughter is often tied to that which is boastful, self-satisfied, condescending, or rejoicing in harm that others experience. (Darrell Bock)

5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. James 5:5 (ESV)

(A) It Is Short
Ecclesiastes 7:6- For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity. Job 20:5

(B) It Is Shallow
Proverbs 14:13- Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.

(C) It Is to Be Switched to Sorrow Over Sin
James 4:8-10...Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

4. The cursed pillar of popularity
26  “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. Luke 6:26 (ESV)

This is a warning not to fall into the trap of courting acceptance for one’s message at the expense of truthfulness. (Darrell Bock)

31  the prophets prophesy falsely . . . my people love to have it so . . . Jeremiah 5:31 (ESV): 2 Timothy 4:3

10  For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

*Outline by Rod Matoon

Kingdom Values: Beatitudes: Luke 6:17-23

Kingdom Values (Beatitudes)
Luke 6:17-23

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. Luke 6:17-19 (ESV)

Warren Wiersbe: The blessed life comes not from getting, or from doing, but from being. The emphasis is on godlike character. Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV)

1. Blessed in poverty
20  And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke 6:20 (ESV)

Ptochos (fromm ptosso) relates to the concept of “to cringe” or cower in fear. In Matt 5:3 he refers to the poor in spirit. These individuals have a bankrupt condition of the soul.

Laodicean church:
17  For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Revelation 3:17 (ESV)

2. Blessed in hunger
21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied” . . . Luke 6:21 (ESV)

This hunger here is probably not necessarily from a lack of food but a lack of righteousness.

1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 (ESV)

3. Blessed in sorrow
21   . . . “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Luke 6:21 (ESV)

Matthew says those who weep will be comforted. Luke takes it a step further and includes that they will laugh.

3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit. . .
Isaiah 61:3 (ESV); Jeremiah 31:13 (ESV); Isaiah 53:3; Luke 13:34

4. Blessed when scorned
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.” Luke 6:22-23 (ESV)

The verbs of hate, exclude, revile, and spurn sums up the hostility and animosity that Christ’s disciples endure.

40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. Acts 5:40-41 (ESV); Acts 16:25 (ESV); Col. 1:24 (ESV)

Wiersbe: What people most need is not a change in circumstances but a change in their relationship to God and in their outlook on life.

The Deity's Dozen: Luke 6:12-16

The Deity’s Dozen
Luke 6:12-16

1. The prayer before Jesus’ decision
12  In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. Luke 6:12 (ESV)

Luke reveals that both Jesus and, following His example, the early church prayed before major decisions. (Acts 6:6; 13:2-3; 14:23).

2. The implementation of Jesus’ decision
13  And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14  Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15  and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16  and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. Luke 6:13-16 (ESV)

The number twelve is reflective and parallel to the twelve tribes of Israel.

An apostle is someone who is commissioned to carry a message or to perform an official duty on someone else’s behalf. (Philip Ryken)

3. The results of Jesus’ decision
13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (ESV)

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)

19  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20  built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21  in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22  In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath: Luke 6:1-11

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath
Luke 6:1-11

1. The true spirit of the Law
1 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” Luke 6:1-4 (ESV)

Michael Bentley: Nowhere does the Lord say that God's Word has been superseded by his own teaching, but everywhere he shows how the tradition of the Jewish teachers had fallen far short of what God intended.

27 And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 (ESV)

2. The Lord of the Sabbath
5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:5 (ESV)

Jesus is stating that the Son of Man, or Messiah, reigns over the Sabbath and accurately evaluates what is and what is not appropriate for this day.

3. The true spirit of the Sabbath
6  On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7  And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8  But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9  And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10  And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11  But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:6-11 (ESV)

In God's view, a refusal to do good is to do evil—"good omitted is evil committed" (Godet).

9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all . . . 2 Timothy 3:9 (ESV)

Simply put, true faith produces mercy.

12  For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins— you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate. … 21  “I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. 22  Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. 23  Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. 24  But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:12, 21-24 (ESV)

8  He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (ESV)

17  But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 1 John 3:17 (ESV)

We must beware of letting our traditions override the clear teaching of God's Word.

Something Old, Something New: Luke 5:33-39

Something Old, Something New
Luke 5:33-39

1. The Inquiry about Jesus’ ministry
33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.” 
Luke 5:33 (ESV)

2. The Interpretation of Jesus’ ministry
34  And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35  The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” Luke 5:34-35 (ESV)

3. The Illustrations that describe Jesus’ ministry
36  He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37  And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38  But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39  And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’” Luke 5:36-39 (ESV); Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 8:13; Romans 7:6.

Jesus’ illustrations reveal His ministry in light of the New Covenant.                

Jesus’ illustrations reveal the incorrect applications of the New Covenant in relation to that of the Old.
Hebrews 8:6-13 (ESV)

25  I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26  And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27  And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Ezekiel 36:25-27 (ESV)

Jesus’ first illustration reveals an incorrect application by implementing ideas of the New Covenant to the structure of the Old.

Jesus’ second illustration reveals an incorrect application by implementing the Old Covenant thought to the New Covenant system.

Jesus’ third illustration reveals an incorrect application by failing to consider how the Old Covenant is fulfilled in the New Covenant.

The Call of Levi: Luke 5:27-32

The Call of Levi
Luke 5:27-32

1. Jesus’ principle for discipleship
27  After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28  And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. Luke 5:27-28 (ESV)

Discipleship means that Jesus must be the number one priority in an individual’s life.

2. Jesus’ principle for fellowship
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. Luke 5:29 (ESV)

Jesus accepted all individuals as people of worth, understanding that isolation from sinners is not a call of discipleship.

10  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 (ESV)

9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 (ESV)

3. Jesus’ principle for sonship
30  And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31  And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:30-32 (ESV)

31  but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, Romans 9:31-32 (ESV)

The “healthy” are the self-righteous, alluding to the Pharisees who cannot see their condition, while the “sick” are the sinners who perceive their condition and need for help.

Jesus’ point is that we are all sinners; some recognize it while others do not.

12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:12-13 (ESV)

6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 (ESV)

7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7 (ESV)

Through the Roof: Luke 5:17-26

Through the Roof
Luke 5:17-26

1. People who do whatever it takes to bring others to Jesus
17 On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. Luke 5:17-19 (ESV)

These men showed great care in exhibiting persistent, creative, and sacrificial faith in order to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus.

2. People who question the authority of Jesus.
20  And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21  And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22  When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? 23  Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? Luke 5:20-23 (ESV)

Jesus offered visual validation for the more difficult statement to prove both the authority to forgive sin and to heal paralysis.

3. People who are healed by Jesus
24  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 25  And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. Luke 5:24-25 (ESV)

Wiersbe: If leprosy illustrates the corruption and defilement of sin, then palsy is a picture of the paralysis that sin produces in a life.

4. People who Glorify God in Jesus
26  And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.” Luke 5:26 (ESV)

36  . . . For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me . . . John 5:36-37 (ESV)

Free from Leprosy/Free from Sin: Luke 5:12-16

Free from Leprosy/Free from Sin
Luke 5:12-16

1. The Leper’s Condition
12  While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy . . .  Luke 5:12 (ESV)

Though the leper was not worse or guiltier than his fellow Jews, nevertheless he was a parable of sin—an "outward and visible sign of innermost spiritual corruption." R. C. Trench

5 Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and raw wounds; they are not pressed out or bound up or softened with oil. Isaiah 1:5-6 (ESV)

2. The Leper’s Request
12   . . . And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” Luke 5:12 (ESV)

Here we see the first and fundamental qualification for coming to Jesus—an awareness of one's condition.

The leper knelt flat on his face before Christ in humble prostration. He was fully aware of his hopeless, leprous condition, and yet he believed Christ could heal him.

3. The Savior’s Touch
13  And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 5:13 (ESV)

Jesus wanted the leper to feel the Savior's willingness and sympathy.

21  For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

22  And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. Luke 7:22 (ESV)

4. The Priest’s Ritual
14 And he charged him to tell no one, but “go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 
Luke 5:14 (ESV)

This word "charged" involves strong emotion, including anger. The word has the idea of "admonish or to urgently rebuke."

5. The Savior’s Prayerfulness
15 But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. 16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Luke 5:15-16 (ESV)

The word "withdraw" is in the imperfect tense which means He frequently or continually did this in His daily life.