The Call to Be Disciples of Christ

Jesus’ teachings in Luke 6 call us to live by Kingdom values reflecting God’s character in a world that often does the opposite.

Love, Mercy, and Trust in the Kingdom

Today we would like to examine the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, a central theme in the Gospel of Luke 6. This chapter presents us with a manifesto of the ethics of the Kingdom, a set of principles that call us to live in a way that contrasts strongly with the world’s values. By meditating on these words, let’s try to understand how to apply these lessons in our daily lives as brothers and sisters.

1. The Beatitudes of the Kingdom (Luke 6:20-26).

Jesus begins his speech with a series of beatitudes that reverse the world’s notions of prosperity and suffering.

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (Luke 6:20-23).

Jesus does not glorify poverty or suffering, but he reveals that true happiness and rewards are in the Kingdom of God, not in possessions or earthly status. For us, this means that regardless of our material situation or trials, our true wealth lies in our relationship with God and the hope of the Kingdom. The world may not understand or even hate us for our faith, but our award is safe in the heavens.

2. The Call to Love and Mercy (Luke 6:27-38).

Jesus raises the standard of human behavior to a divine level, calling us to love even our enemies.

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. (Luke 6:27-29).

From a purely human perspective, this commandment seems impossible to fulfill. It is an ethics of the Kingdom that challenges the nature of man, which seeks revenge and retributive justice. Jesus urges us to go beyond the “justice” of an eye for an eye, instead calling us to a sacrificial and proactive love.

It is not about being passive or allowing abuse, but about refusing to respond with the same evil. Instead, we are called to show the character of God: to do good, bless, and pray for those who wish us evil. This action can only be born from a heart transformed by the power of God, since true love is not a passing feeling, but a conscious decision.

This teaching is the pinnacle of mercy and forgiveness in its purest form. It invites us to break the cycle of hatred and aggression, showing that we are disciples of a Master who loved his enemies to the extreme of dying for them. As Christians, our response to aggression should not be revenge, but the love and compassion that reflect our Savior.

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:35-36).

We are called to reflect the character of our heavenly Father, who is kind even to those who do not thank him. Mercy is a central quality that we must cultivate, forgiving others as God has forgiven us.

3. The Importance of Coherence and Self-Evaluation (Luke 6:39-49).

Jesus uses a series of parables to emphasize the need for self-assessment and coherence in our lives.

And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest 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 6:39-42).

This is a powerful lesson about humility and self-criticism. Before pointing out the flaws of others, we must examine our own hearts. Holiness begins with honest introspection and the effort to correct our own mistakes, without hypocrisy. The call of Jesus is not to be blind to the faults of others, but to an order of priorities. By concentrating on our own lives, we demonstrate that we understand the gravity of sin and our own need for redemption. Only with a clear spiritual vision, which comes from having purified ourselves first, can we genuinely help our brothers correct their own “flaws.” It is a call to coherence between our faith and our actions, recognizing that true holiness is not an external adornment, but an internal work that makes us genuine and reliable to guide and help others on the path of truth.

Conclusion

The teachings of Jesus in Luke 6 are the essence of our lives as disciples. They call us to be merciful like our Father, to love our enemies, and to judge with humility. We must fully trust in the word of God, knowing that he will give us the strength to obey these commandments, no matter how difficult they may seem. Let us seek that our lives are holy, so that his glory may dwell in us. May the grace and peace of God be with you.

Juan Diego Vargas,
Santa Barbara Ecclesia, Costa Rica