Reading for October 10th

Read Luke 6.20-38. In 6.20-49: The address on the plain. These verses begin a section (6.20-8.3) that is without parallels in Mark. This section contains many sayings of Jesus that are largely shared with Matthew. Many scholars suggest Matthew and Luke may have drawn from a "Sayings Source," which is commonly called "Q" for the German word "Quelle." No copy of such a source has ever been found apart from the verses shared and close agreements of Matthew and Luke, along with some parallels in the noncanonical Gospel of Thomas. Luke's account does not glorify poverty, but stresses the contrast between the present need of the poor and their future abundance, while the rich who have plenty now will be deprived in the future. In verse 20: Blessed means favored by God, in this case because of God's particular care for the poor (4.18; 7.22-23). The kingdom of God is God's heavenly rule come to earth as announced in the reign of the messiah, Jesus (see 4.18; 7.22; 17.20-21). In verse 24: Prophetic announcements of woe indicate divine judgment (10.13; 11.42-52; 17.1; 21.23; 22.22). In verse 26: False prophets are popular for telling people what they want t hear (Isa 30.10). In verses 27-31: This section ends with the "golden rule," but now radically applied to enemies, abusers, thieves, and beggars. These verses have often been misused to discourage oppressed people from seeking justice. In verses 32-38: The credit that sinners receive fits with usual standards of fair exchange with gentiles and nonbelievers practice. The children of the most high operate with the economy of mercy rather than fairness, relying on the reward system of God's reign. Comments or Questions..