| Series | The Gospel of Luke |
|---|---|
| Theme | 2. Receiving the word - Mauaina le upu |
| Colour | Lanu Auro |
Scripture Focus: Luka 6:37-49
Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.” He spoke a parable to them. “Can the blind guide the blind? Won’t they both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how can you tell your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck of chaff that is in your eye,’ when you yourself don’t see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye. For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit; nor again a rotten tree that produces good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. For people don’t gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings out that which is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say? Everyone who comes to me, and hears my words, and does them, I will show you who he is like. He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock. But he who hears, and doesn’t do, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”
- Luke 6:37-49 (WEB)
Study:
Jesus contrasts doing and saying. He highlights the importance of not judging others while simultaneously urging self-reflection. The verses move from broad principles – not judging, giving – to a pointed parable about hypocrisy, and then to a powerful illustration of obedience as building on a firm foundation. The core message is clear: our actions demonstrate our true spiritual state. Simply *hearing* the word isn't enough; we must actively *do* it. The imagery of the beam in your eye vs. the speck in your brother’s is a vivid call to address our own flaws before pointing out those of others. The tree and its fruit analogy reinforces that true faith produces good works, and genuine change comes from within the heart.
Application:
In today's world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hypocrisy – demanding standards of others we don’t hold ourselves to. We are quick to criticize, but slow to self-examine. This passage challenges us to prioritize inner transformation and authenticity. Are we living what we profess? Do our actions align with our words? Building our lives on the “rock” of obedience means consistently applying God's word to our daily lives, even when it’s uncomfortable. This provides resilience in times of difficulty and a strong testimony to others.
Reflection Questions:
- What areas of my life could benefit from increased self-reflection?
- Am I quicker to point out the flaws of others or recognize my own?
- How well does my daily life reflect the values I claim to believe?
- What ‘foundation’ am I building my life on? Is it solid and based on God’s word?
- What specific action can I take today to better align my words and deeds?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have been judgmental and hypocritical. Help me to see my own flaws with clarity and to approach others with grace and compassion. Strengthen my commitment to not just hear your word, but to live it out each day. Help me build my life on the solid rock of your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tags:Luke, Gospel of Luke, judgement, hypocrisy, obedience, foundation, discipleship, self-reflection, faith, actions, words, doing, hearing, parable, spiritual growth