Luke 6:27-38 | Psalm 70
We’ve noted that Matthew & Luke share a lot of material, particularly in this great sermon on the plain (Luke) or mount (Matthew).
Though Matthew includes more material, Luke has Jesus’ words as much sharper, pointed, and specific. As usual and as we’ve seen already in the nature of Jesus’ birth, Mary’s song, and Zechariah’s song, the powerless in particular are empowered.
Luke 6:27-38
“But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other one as well. If someone takes your coat, don’t withhold your shirt either. Give to everyone who asks and don’t demand your things back from those who take them. Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.
“If you love those who love you, why should you be commended? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, why should you be commended? Even sinners do that. If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, why should you be commended? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to be paid back in full. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have a great reward. You will be acting the way children of the Most High act, for he is kind to ungrateful and wicked people. Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate.
“Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.”
Psalm 70
Hurry, God, to deliver me;
hurry, Lord, to help me!
Let those who seek my life be ashamed and humiliated!
Let them fall back and be disgraced—
those people who delight in my downfall!
Let those who say, “Aha! Aha!”
stop because of their shameful behavior.
But let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you,
and let those who love your saving help say again and again:
“God is great!”
But me? I’m poor and needy.
Hurry to me, God!
You are my helper and my deliverer.
Oh, Lord, don’t delay!
Prayer
God,
Thank you for rain. It cleanses and makes things grow.
Thank you for air. It brings freshness and life to all, from dandelions to humans.
Thank you for dirt. It provides nutrients and a place in which to walk.
Thank you for light. It shows the way and gives warmth to all.
You’ve created this world with much goodness. Thank you.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.