Luke 6. It seems almost impossible to choose just one thought to focus on out of the condensed version of the Sermon on the Mount that we find in Luke 6, but this is what stands out to me: “As you wish others would do to you, do so to them.” (6:31) “For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (6:38)

The chapter opens with two incidents of conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders of the day. The conflict was over Sabbath rules. Sabbath-keeping was a very important principle for Jews – it was part of the ten commandments, it was integral to their identity throughout many centuries of conflict with surrounding cultures, and the rules governed many aspects of their lives. (This is still true today, if you’ve ever been to Jerusalem, you will be amazed how Sabbath laws still govern many aspects of Jewish life.) So, it is quite remarkable that Jesus asked, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or do harm?” (6:9) and then proceeded to stare down the religious leaders while publicly healing a man on the Sabbath. Jesus broke the rules!

We know Jesus lived a perfect life without sin, yet here he is breaking a rule. This should make us ask questions. Where did the rule come from? Who made the rule? Why the rule? And why is it ok that Jesus broke the rule?

As my kids have gotten older, I find we are frequently coming back to this important question, “What is the principle behind the rule?” Foundational Biblical principles must be valid for all people, all cultures, all places, and all of time. On the other hand, rules are typically set in a culture and place in time, to help distinguish right from wrong. As humans, we tend to prefer rules because they give us a black-and-white type of clarity so that we know what is acceptable and what is not. This is why we give rules to young children; they need boundaries. (Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t get in the car with strangers.) Children are likely to grow out of these rules as they mature into adults and can grasp more nuance and get better at decision-making. (Let me call you an uber so you can get into a stranger’s car and get home safely…) Black and white rules give way to evaluating options in the gray zone.

Jesus breaks Sabbath rules here because He is holding to a greater principle. That Biblical principle is that love and care for people is the highest priority. Healing the man is more important than the no-work-on-Sunday rule. Jesus goes on to elaborate what this principle should look like in the life of a Jesus-follower.

Get out your red pencil and let’s mark the commands in Luke 6:27-42. (It’s ok to write in your Bible, use colored pencils. This is a great Bible study practice!) Jesus says, “But I say to you…” (6:27) because He is reframing the Biblical principles (valid for all people, places, and times) over the rules of the day made up by men. These are the commands: love your enemies, do good, bless those who curse you, pray for them, give to everyone, treat others as you wish to be treated, love, do good, lend, expect nothing in return, be merciful, don’t judge, don’t condemn, forgive, give, and take the log out of your own eye. These Biblical principles are valid for all people, places, and times.

“As you wish others would do to you, do so to them.” (6:31) Let’s work on loving and caring for people; that is the mark of a Jesus-follower and a key Biblical principle. (To be clear, I do support the principle of the sabbath – what that might look like in our modern era is a topic for another day.)

Which of the commands in 6:27-42 is the most difficult for you to embrace? Why? What stood out to you in Luke 6?