Luke Part 1 Week 25

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

Luke 6:17-19 

¹⁷ When they came down from the mountain, the disciples stood with Jesus on a large, level area, surrounded by many of his followers and by the crowds. There were people from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from as far north as the seacoasts of Tyre and Sidon. ¹⁸ They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. ¹⁹ Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone. 

Wherever Jesus went there were sick people wanting to be healed. But they had also come to hear what He had to say. Jesus was not selective in those He chose to heal: “he healed everyone.” At this time the people came from the south and the northwest. Think of the difficulty of traveling in that day but they were desperate to hear Him and be healed. 

REFLECT 

Imagine how desperate people were in those days to hear Jesus and be healed. 

RESPOND 

Visit with a friend about what each of you know about healing lines today. Contrast what you know about them and what Jesus did. 

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

Luke 6:20-21 

²⁰ Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. ²¹ God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.” 

This portion is similar in statements to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). It is not a spiritual matter to be poor or rich, but here Jesus blessed those who are poor and hungry. Even though Jesus told them the current time for them would be difficult, in the future their hunger would be satisfied and their weeping would turn to laughter. 

REFLECT 

Are your spiritual eyes fixed on the present or the future? 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend in reading 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. Let this aid your perspective regardless of what you are going through at the present time. 

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

Luke 6:22-23 

²² “What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. ²³ When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.” 

Jesus continued to contrast the present with the future for His followers. When they were persecuted because of loving and following Him, He wanted them to “be happy! Yes, leap for joy!” This would be possible because a great reward was waiting for them. Jesus wanted His followers to know that the Old Testament prophets were treated in the same way.  

REFLECT 

Depending on where you live, you may be experiencing persecution now. May the words of Jesus be encouraging for you. 

RESPOND 

Read John 16:31-33 to see what Jesus told His followers before He ascended into heaven. This still applies today. Discuss this with a friend. 

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

Luke 6:24-26 

²⁴ “What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now. ²⁵ What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger awaits you. What sorrow awaits you who laugh now, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow. ²⁶ What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.” 

Sometimes the poor think their problems would be over if they were rich. These words of Jesus show that is not true. Those who are rich and appreciated by crowds of people applauding them will someday find sorrow awaiting them if they do not trust in Jesus as Savior. 

REFLECT 

Thank the Lord for believers who have extra money and willingness to support Christian ministries. Sadly, many who are wealthy do not support the Lord’s work. 

RESPOND 

Read Matthew 19:23-26 to see what Jesus said about the rich being saved. How wonderful it is that the Holy Spirit can convert the heart of any sinner, rich or poor. 

Day 5 

RECEIVE 

Luke 6:27-28 

²⁷ “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. ²⁸ Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” 

Some wonder how it is possible to love one’s enemies. The Greek word used for “love” in verse 27 refers to seeking another person’s highest good. Such love is an act of the will, not of the emotions. Also, doing good to those who are your enemies can be used to melt their hearts into wanting to hear how that is possible for you to do. Your changed life because of Jesus can be used as a testimony. Above all, “Pray for those who hurt you.” 

REFLECT 

Pray that you will know how to respond to those who do not like you or what you have to say, and the Lord you represent. 

RESPOND 

Talk with a friend about speaking the truth in love when countering what another person or group is saying. Read Ephesians 4:14-15 about what the apostle Paul told believers. See also 1 Peter 3:15-17 for what the apostle Peter told believers.