What Did You Expect

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February 16, 2003 - Luke 6:27-36

The lesson for this Sunday is from Matthew 7.12. It is also to be found in Luke 6.31. In Luke the context in which the "Golden Rule" is used is a little different than that of Matthew. This is why I have chosen for this study sheet to use the Lucan passage. I hope you learn from the questions how to better apply this fundamental principle of divine-human and human-to-human relationships.

Open It

  1. Why do people often call revenge "sweet"?
  2. If you took a public opinion poll on the meaning of the Golden Rule, what would you expect to hear?
  3. Who have been some of your enemies through the years?

Explore It

  1. How many positive responses to mistreatment did Jesus command? (6:27-31)
  2. What different kinds of mistreatment did Jesus refer to in his commands? (6:28-30)
  3. Which statement best summarizes what Jesus said about responding to enemies? (6:31)
  4. How did Jesus explain the difference between his followers and those he called "sinners"? (6:32-34)
  5. About what three positive actions did Jesus ask, "What credit is that to you?" (6:32-34)
  6. What was Jesus' basic argument in backing up his command to love others unconditionally? (6:32-35)
  7. What results will those who practice loving their enemies obtain? (6:35)
  8. What title did Jesus give to those who love their enemies? (6:35)
  9. Who are we imitating when we love our enemies? (6:36)

Get It

  1. According to this passage, what are the observable differences between "sinners" and "saints"?
  2. What does it mean to "bless those who curse you"?
  3. Why was Jesus so critical of conditional love?
  4. Why is treating others as you wish to be treated called the Golden Rule?
  5. Which of Jesus commands do you think goes most against human nature?
  6. What does it take for a person to live the way Jesus described here?
  7. When is forgiveness most difficult to give?
  8. How did Jesus in this sermon say his followers were to be distinctly different from the ordinary pattern?
  9. What is realistic or unrealistic about the kind of love Jesus wants us to show?

Apply It

  1. To what enemy in your life can you show a gesture of love?
  2. How can you remember to do good to someone who is unkind to you this week?

NOTES

The Jews despised the Romans because they oppressed God's people, but Jesus told the people to love these enemies. Such words turned many away from Christ. But Jesus wasn't talking about having affection for enemies; he was talking about an act of the will. You can't "fall into" this kind of love-it takes conscious effort. Loving our enemies means acting in their best interests. We can pray for them, and we can think of ways to help them. Jesus loved the whole world, even though the world was in rebellion against God. Jesus asks us to follow his example by loving our enemies. Grant your enemies the same respect and rights as you desire for yourself.

Love means action. One way to put love to work is to take the initiative in meeting specific needs. This is easy to do with people who love us, people whom we trust; but love means doing this even to those who dislike us or plan to hurt us. Acting rather than reacting is the method that Jesus used and taught us to apply.

(Back to Helps Home Page)     (Sermon, February 16, 2003)
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