The disciples’ journey begins - Ua amata le malaga a le au soo

Scripture Focus: Luka 6:12-36

In these days, he went out to the mountain to pray, and he continued all night in prayer to God. When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he also named Peter; Andrew, his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Simon, who was called the Zealot; Judas the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor. He came down with them, and stood on a level place, with a crowd of his disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; as well as those who were troubled by unclean spirits, and they were being healed. All the multitude sought to touch him, for power came out of him and healed them all. He lifted up his eyes to his disciples, and said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation. Woe to you, you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe,whenmen speak well of you, for their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets. “But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don’t withhold your coat also. Give to everyone who asks you, and don’t ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. “As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. “Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.
- Luke 6:12-36 (WEB)

Study:

This passage marks a pivotal moment in Luke’s Gospel – the formal selection of the twelve apostles and the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry in earnest. Jesus spends a night in prayer before choosing his disciples, emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s will in all things, especially when making significant decisions. The subsequent Sermon on the Plain (verses 20-49) presents a radical set of teachings. He begins with blessings on the poor, hungry, weeping, and hated, contrasting them sharply with woes on the rich, full, laughing, and well-regarded. This isn’t a condemnation of possessions or happiness in themselves, but a warning of the dangers of prioritizing earthly comfort and security over spiritual values. The core of the sermon then focuses on loving enemies, doing good, and seeking no reward, mirroring God’s own character. Jesus elevates the standard of morality to an unprecedented level, challenging his disciples to go beyond the bounds of conventional ethics.

Application:

Jesus’ call to love our enemies can feel incredibly challenging, even impossible. In a world that often encourages retaliation and self-preservation, how can we genuinely seek the good of those who harm us? This isn’t about condoning their actions, but about breaking the cycle of violence and responding with the same grace and mercy that God shows us. Practically, this might mean choosing forgiveness over resentment, offering help instead of judgment, and praying for those who have wronged us. It’s a transformative way of living that reflects the heart of God and challenges the norms of our culture. Recognizing that our ultimate reward is in heaven refocuses our priorities.

Reflection Questions:

• How does Jesus’ emphasis on prayer before choosing his disciples speak to the importance of discernment in our own lives?
• What does it mean to be “blessed” according to Jesus in this passage?
• In what ways do we prioritize earthly comforts over spiritual values?
• Can you think of a situation where loving your enemy would be particularly challenging?
• How can we practice the principle of “doing to others as we would have them do to us” in our daily interactions?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your challenging yet comforting words. Help us to live out your teachings, even when it’s difficult. Grant us the strength to love our enemies, forgive those who wrong us, and to seek your will in all things. Fill us with your mercy so we may extend it to others. Amen.

Tags: Luke, Gospel of Luke, disciples, apostles, Sermon on the Plain, love your enemies, blessings, woes, forgiveness, prayer, mercy, Jesus, ministry, faith, compassion