6:2 Pharisees See note on Luke 5:17.

what is not permitted on the Sabbath The law did not specifically prohibit plucking heads of grain. Rather, the Pharisees apparently viewed this activity as harvesting, which violated the command against working on the Sabbath (Exod 20:8–11; 34:21). See note on John 5:10.

6:3 what David did Refers to the events of 1 Sam 21:1–6. In this passage, David does something unlawful when he and his companions eat the bread of Presence (see Lev 24:5–9). Although this ot story did not take place on the Sabbath, Jesus uses it to show that it is permissible to carry out unlawful acts for the purpose of meeting human needs (compare Mark 2:27). Jesus also draws attention to David’s authority in the narrative to demonstrate His own authority as the Son of Man (see note on Luke 6:5).

6:5 The Son of Man David possessed the authority to set aside the law to fulfill his mission, but Jesus’ authority is even greater than David’s. As the Son of Man, Jesus has unique authority to interpret matters of the law, such as keeping the Sabbath. See Matt 8:20 and note.

6:7 scribes See note on 5:21.

heal on the Sabbath The scribes (teachers of the law) and Pharisees show no interest in the man’s condition; they are focused on whether Jesus will violate the Sabbath. In their view, the Sabbath is an inappropriate day to seek or perform healing—which they ostensibly regard as a form of work (compare 13:14). See note on John 5:16.

6:11 what they might do to Jesus This discussion eventually culminates in a plot to have Jesus arrested and executed (Luke 22:1–6).

The Twelve Apostles Table

6:12 the whole night in prayer Before choosing the apostles, Jesus seeks solitude and conversation with God the Father. Luke often describes Jesus praying before major events (e.g., Luke 3:21; 9:18; 22:39–46).

6:13 twelve Likely meant to reflect the 12 tribes of Israel. See note on Mark 3:14.

apostles The Greek word used here comes from a verb meaning “to send out” (compare Mark 3:14).

6:15 Matthew Earlier called “Levi” (see Luke 5:27 and note).

Simon who was called the Zealot Matthew and Mark describe Simon with the Greek word kananaios, which comes from an Aramaic word meaning “an enthusiast” (Matt 10:4; Mark 3:18). Luke here uses the Greek term zēlōtēs, which has a similar meaning. This could describe Jewish anti-Roman activists, but they likely did not originate as a distinct political group until shortly before the Roman-Jewish War of ad 66–70.

6:16 Judas the son of James Matthew, Mark, and Luke agree on the names of the 12 disciples, with one exception: Luke includes Judas son of James, whereas Matthew and Mark list Thaddeus. “Judas” probably reflects the original name, which was changed to “Thaddeus” to avoid association and confusion with Judas Iscariot, who later betrays Jesus (Luke 22:3–6, 47–48). Luke, then, likely reflects an earlier tradition than Matthew or Mark.

who became a traitor See 22:3–6.

6:17 multitude of people from all of Judea Compare Matt 4:23–5:2; Mark 3:7–8.

6:19 power was going out from him Mark records a specific occurrence of this (Mark 5:30).

6:20 Blessed are the poor In Luke, these beatitudes focus on the socioeconomic conditions of first-century Palestine. In Matthew, they suggest a more spiritualized application (see Matt 5:3 and note).

6:21 Blessed are those who are hungry Matthew refers to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (see Matt 5:6 and note).

Blessed are those who weep Refers to those who mourn over the brokenness of the present world and the suffering it causes. They will experience great joy when God’s kingdom arrives in full, upon Jesus’ second coming. See Matt 5:4 and note.

6:22 on account of the Son of Man Jesus praises both those who suffer for the sake of doing what is right (see Matt 5:10, 5:11 and note), and also those who experience persecution because of their allegiance to Jesus Himself.

6:23 your reward is great in heaven Throughout Luke’s Gospel, Jesus contrasts earthly and heavenly rewards (e.g., Luke 12:21, 33; 16:11; 18:22).

6:24 you have received your comfort Refers to their comfortable lifestyles, in contrast to the conditions of Galilean peasants.

6:26 the false prophets In contrast to God’s true prophets, who were mistreated and killed. Those most deserving of death—the false prophets—were allowed to live.

6:27 love your enemies Jesus teaches His followers that they must love all people, including their enemies (compare Lev 19:18). This love involves more than tolerance; it expresses itself in doing good even to enemies who are hostile and full of hatred. See Matt 5:44 and note.

6:30 Give to everyone who asks you See Matt 5:42 and note.

6:31 do the same to them This is known as the Golden Rule: treating others with respect regardless of their conduct.

6:35 love your enemies, and do good, and lend A summary statement for this section that is unique to Luke.

your reward will be great Followers of Jesus who freely give away and share their material goods not only obey Jesus’ teaching but demonstrate they are true followers of God by acting according to His ways. See note on Luke 6:23.

6:36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful God’s character and actions are the ethical standards for His followers. Compare Lev 19:2; Deut 10:17–18; Matt 5:48; 1 Pet 1:15.

6:37 do not judge, and you will never be judged See Matt 7:2 and note.

Pardon, and you will be pardoned In response to God’s forgiveness of them, Jesus’ followers should offer forgiveness to those who have wronged them. As with His teaching in Luke 6:27–36, Jesus calls His followers to imitate God by displaying sacrificial love. See Matt 6:14–15.

6:38 good measure—pressed down, shaken, overflowing—they will pour out into your lap This statement has no parallel in Matthew. It describes the abundance that is given to the generous.

it will be measured out See Matt 7:2 and note.

6:39 a parable A short, vivid story designed to teach an important truth.

Parables of Jesus Table

a blind person cannot lead the blind Jesus implies that unqualified (or still apprenticing) leaders are unfit to lead God’s people since they cannot yet fully understand God’s purposes. The reference to blindness likely refers to living out of self-interest rather than love for others (Luke 6:37–38). Those who lead God’s people must embody and display His sacrificial love. Compare Matt 15:14 and note.

6:40 A disciple is not superior to his teacher Compare Matt 10:24.

6:41 why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye In Luke 6:41–42, Jesus uses a ridiculous exaggeration to convey the importance of confronting one’s own sinfulness before God. This teaching also appears in Matt 7:3–5.

6:45 out of the abundance of the heart The contents of a person’s heart are made manifest through their speech.

6:46 ‘Lord, Lord’ A confession of Jesus’ authority. Jesus states that this confession is meaningless unless it is accompanied by obedience to His commands.

6:48 And when a flood came See Matt 7:25 and note.

6:49 the collapse of that house was great People who choose to build their lives on something other than Jesus will ultimately experience anguish. See Matt 7:27 and note.