Luke 6

      6:1-11.  See notes at Mt.12:1-14 and Mark 2:23-3:6.

      6:12-19.  Luke makes a real effort to place most events “in consecutive order” (1:3).  Matthew is more interested in grouping things thematically.  Luke’s placement of the choosing of the twelve from among Jesus’ many disciples seems more likely.

     6:20-49.  Luke’s Sermon on the Mount.  See notes at Mt.5:1-7:29.

     6:35-36.  This is key.  We were once God’s enemies.  If he showed mercy to us, we must be willing to be merciful.

     6:43-45.  Being merciful does not mean having no discernment.  We must recognize the difference between good and evil to live in this world.  What is in a man’s heart will soon be evident, just as a tree is known by its fruit. (Cf. Mt.7:15 ff.; 12:33).  Righteousness does not come by agonizing over right choices.  Rather, it springs naturally from a redeemed and grateful heart bearing the fruits of the Spirit.