Highlights:
That the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5). The Twelve Chosen (6:12-16). The Sermon on the Mount (6:20-49). Note why (6:46)? Foundation for life (6:47-49). Jesus heals the sick (7:1-10), raises the dead (7:11-18). Her sins, which are many, are forgiven (7:47).
We all have sinned far beyond our ability to count, and we should be deeply thankful that our Savior said to the woman: Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace (Luke 7:50). If we are truly grateful, we will approach everyone who sins against us with the same mercy and compassion that we receive from the Lord. Jesus, who knows how the human heart tends to be hypocritical, warned: Why beholdest . . . the mote (speck) that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?. . . Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye (Luke 6:41-42). It is our responsibility to recognize the mote (evil) for what it is, but we must first recognize our own beam (negative attitudes and criticism towards others). Only then are we qualified to help others with their needs.
A heart of compassion and concern to help others is in striking contrast to those who overlook their own faults and failures, but who rarely miss an opportunity to gossip about someone else's conduct or failures. We are prone to imply evil motives to others' actions, and may even exaggerate them. Thankfully, God is a merciful God, who fully forgives us when we repent of our sins. But, we tend to judge ourselves by our good intentions and others by their mistakes. Since we expect God's mercy toward us, it makes a vital demand upon us to extend that same mercy to others. If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matt. 6:15).
Criticism is often an act of self-righteousness in an attempt to build up one's own self-esteem by putting others down. Also, it is easy to jump to conclusions without hearing or caring about all the facts. We have an amazing ability to misjudge the thoughts and actions of others. Judgmental people thrive on faultfinding and find something wrong with everything that is said or done by another whom they would love to belittle. It is this self-righteousness that Jesus spoke of when He said: Cast out first the beam out of thine own eye. Then the love of Christ can be expressed through us.
If anyone is overtaken in a fault (sin), ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted (Gal. 6:1).
Thought for Today:
The Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel (Joel 3:16).
Word Studies:
6:11 communed discussed; 7:14 bier open coffin on which a corpse was carried to burial.
Cross References:
For Luke 7:22: See Is. 61:1. Luke 7:27: See Mal. 3:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Sen. Jim Bunning (KY) • Country: Estonia (1.47 million) northeastern Europe • Major languages: Estonian and Russian • Religious freedom • 38.4% Protestant; 20.3% Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim; .3% Jewish; 39% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when you are oppressed (Ps. 102:8-13).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:34
