Introduction
Luke 6:17–26: Many people throughout the region come to Jesus for healing, and Jesus begins to teach the crowd who had come to hear him speak. Today’s reading begins with what is sometimes referred to as the “Sermon on the Plain” (in contrast to the “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew’s Gospel). Many of the teachings in today’s reading, known as the Beatitudes (blessings) are also recorded in Matthew 5:1–12.
Today’s Key Verse: Luke 6:19
All the people tried to touch him, for power was going out from him and healing them all.
Reading
17 When Jesus had come down from the hill with the apostles, he stood on a level place with a large number of his disciples. A large crowd of people was there from all over Judea and from Jerusalem and from the coast cities of Tyre and Sidon; 18 they had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those who were troubled by evil spirits also came and were healed. 19 All the people tried to touch him, for power was going out from him and healing them all.
20 Jesus looked at his disciples and said,
“Happy are you poor;
the Kingdom of God is yours!
21 “Happy are you who are hungry now;
you will be filled!
“Happy are you who weep now;
you will laugh!
22 “Happy are you when people hate you, reject you, insult you, and say that you are evil, all because of the Son of Man! 23 Be glad when that happens and dance for joy, because a great reward is kept for you in heaven. For their ancestors did the very same things to the prophets.
24 “But how terrible for you who are rich now;
you have had your easy life!
25 “How terrible for you who are full now;
you will go hungry!
“How terrible for you who laugh now;
you will mourn and weep!
26 “How terrible when all people speak well of you; their ancestors said the very same things about the false prophets.
Reflect
Jesus is still in the region of Galilee, yet the people who come to Jesus for healing and to hear him speak are from across Israel. What places are named (verse 17)? You may wish to consult a map. What does the fact that people came from great distances tell you about Jesus’s reputation? Reread verses 20–26. Notice the parallel structure of four blessings followed by four woes (identified in the Good News Translation as “happy” and what is “terrible”). What do these verses reveal about the reign or kingdom of God?
Pray
Lord Jesus, when I need healing of body, mind, or spirit, I know that I can turn to you. You are always near, reaching out and surrounding me with your love and peace. I seek to walk with you each day, trusting in your teachings and in your mercy and love. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Luke 6:27–49: Jesus continues teaching the crowd.