Jesus Commanded Us to Forgive Our Enemies. Problem Is, How Do We Do That?

Experiencing Our Blessings, Enduring Our Woes, and Loving the Source of Both

(Luke chapter 6, verses 20–36)

For this week’s Bible study, we’ll be going over part 2 of Luke chapter 6. It is at this point in Scripture that the venerated Sermon on the Mount takes place, although it starts in chapter 5 of Matthew’s gospel. But today we’ll be picking up beginning at verse 20. As you recall, when we closed out last week’s study Jesus had just finished healing a large crowd that had come to see him and hear him preach. Now that the healing was over and everyone’s needs had evidently been met, it was time for the preaching and teaching phase of Jesus’ ministry to begin. I find it quite remarkable that Jesus apparently didn’t need to take a break between the healing and the preaching, although at this point our Savior must have been on his feet for hours! Jesus might have stopped long enough for a quick bite to eat, but the Bible doesn’t say if he did or not. I find this to be one of many classic examples of the unknowable and never-ending love of Jesus Christ for each of us! But to stay on topic, let’s begin at verse 20.

“Looking at his disciples he said, ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed…