The Message Of Luke 6:39-45: A Call To Holiness

Introduction

The Gospel of Luke is a rich source of wisdom and teachings for Christians. Luke 6:39-45 contains some of Jesus’ most powerful teachings about the importance of living a holy life. In this article, we will explore the meaning of this passage and how it applies to us as believers in the modern world.

Verse 39

Jesus begins this passage by warning his disciples about the dangers of following false teachers. He compares them to blind guides who lead people into a ditch. This is a warning that still applies today, as we must be careful not to follow those who claim to be teachers of the faith but who distort or misinterpret the truth.

Verse 40

In verse 40, Jesus tells his disciples that they should strive to be like their teacher. This is a call to imitate Christ in all things, to follow his example of love and service, and to seek to become more like him every day.

Verse 41

In verse 41, Jesus uses the metaphor of the speck and the log to illustrate the importance of humility and self-examination. He tells his disciples to remove the log from their own eye before trying to remove the speck from their brother’s eye. This is a reminder that we must first examine ourselves and address our own faults before we can effectively help others.

Verse 42

Verse 42 contains one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings: “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” This is a call to radical generosity and selflessness, and it challenges us to put the needs of others before our own.

Verse 43

In verse 43, Jesus warns his disciples about the dangers of hypocrisy. He tells them that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. This is a reminder that our actions must be consistent with our words, and that we must strive for integrity in all things.

Verse 44

Verse 44 continues this theme of hypocrisy, as Jesus tells his disciples that a tree is known by its fruit. This is a call to examine our own lives and ensure that we are bearing good fruit, that is, that our actions are consistent with our faith.

Verse 45

Finally, in verse 45, Jesus tells his disciples that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” This is a reminder that our words and actions flow from the state of our hearts. If we want to live a holy life, we must first cultivate a heart that is pure and focused on God.

Application

So what does all of this mean for us as Christians in the modern world? First, it reminds us of the importance of being discerning in our choice of teachers and leaders. We must be careful not to follow those who twist or distort the truth. Second, it challenges us to imitate Christ in all things, to strive for holiness and to seek to become more like him every day. Third, it reminds us of the importance of humility and self-examination. We must be willing to examine ourselves and address our own faults before we can effectively help others. Fourth, it calls us to radical generosity and selflessness, challenging us to put the needs of others before our own. Finally, it reminds us of the importance of integrity, and the need to ensure that our actions are consistent with our faith.

Conclusion

Luke 6:39-45 contains some of Jesus’ most powerful teachings about the importance of living a holy life. It challenges us to be discerning in our choice of teachers and leaders, to imitate Christ in all things, to practice humility and self-examination, to be radically generous and selfless, and to ensure that our actions are consistent with our faith. As we seek to apply these teachings in our own lives, may we grow in holiness and become ever more faithful followers of Christ.