Luke Chapter 6

Luke 6 is packed with powerful moments—Jesus teaching, healing, challenging religious leaders, and calling His disciples. But one of the most striking themes woven throughout the chapter is what it truly means to follow Jesus.

Many people admire Jesus. They like His teachings, His kindness, and the way He stood up for the broken and outcast. But following Jesus isn’t just about admiring Him—it’s about surrendering to His way of life. That’s what He lays out in this chapter, showing us that His kingdom operates differently from the world.

One of the most radical moments comes when Jesus says:

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Wait—love who? Bless who? This isn’t normal. The world tells us to fight back, to hold grudges, to cut off those who hurt us. But Jesus flips the script. He calls us to live in a way that seems completely upside-down—because His kingdom is upside-down compared to the world’s values.

He goes even further:

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)

Jesus isn’t looking for people who just listen to His words—He’s looking for people who live them. Following Him means loving differently, forgiving generously, showing mercy when it’s undeserved. It means choosing humility over pride, obedience over convenience, and faith over fear.

But here’s the thing—this kind of life isn’t easy. It’s hard to love enemies. It’s hard to forgive. It’s hard to trust Jesus when the world tells you to look out for yourself. That’s why Jesus ends the chapter with a crucial illustration:

The one who hears His words and puts them into practice is like a person who builds their house on a solid foundation. When storms come, the house stands firm. But the one who hears and does nothing is like a person who builds on sand—when the storms hit, everything crumbles (Luke 6:46-49).

So, here’s the question: What are you building your life on?

Are you simply listening to Jesus, or are you actually living what He teaches? Are you choosing the easy, comfortable way, or are you willing to follow Him even when it’s difficult?

Following Jesus is more than just belief—it’s obedience, trust, and a willingness to live by a different set of values. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Because when the storms come—and they will—the only life that stands is the one built on Him.