Two Different Types of People

Throughout Luke 6 Jesus is describing two different types of people. He describes legalistic people who are eager to follow the letter of the law while completely missing the heart behind the law comparing them to people who are living by God’s mercy.

For example, in Luke 6:1-10 we are given two stories that show people getting upset about Jesus doing things on the Sabbath. Jesus’ disciples were gathering some food from the field and Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, and since this was considered work to some they felt Jesus was not properly following the law.

Jesus makes the point, however, that following the law is not really about doing or not doing certain things. The law was given as a way of following God. If you are following the steps given in the law but not following Jesus personally in your life, you are not really following the law. In other words, there are two different measures you can use in life (Luke 6:38).

You can use the measure based on personal merit, or you can use the measure based on God’s mercy. Jesus said in Luke 6:32-38, “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. . . . Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. . . . For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

So Luke’s point being made in Luke 6 is that there are two different types of people. There are those who live by God’s grace and there are also those who try to live by their own merit. In Luke 6:37-47, Jesus gives us some questions to ask ourselves so we can know which type of person we are.

Prayer: "Father, I understand Your Word says You will judge me with the same measure I use to judge others. I also know by Your Word that I will be condemned with the same measure that I use to condemn others (Luke 6:37-38; I Corinthians 5:12). I know it is correct to judge things as right and wrong according to Your Word, but only You know the motives and intent of another's heart (Hebrews 4:12). I have judged others and condemned them. This is sin, and I repent of this sin and ask You to separate this sin from me in Jesus' name and put it on the cross of Jesus Christ." Amen ~Joan Hunter