If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you do good to those who do good to you,This phrase highlights the principle of reciprocity, which was a common social norm in the ancient world. In the Greco-Roman culture, relationships were often transactional, based on mutual benefit. Jesus challenges this norm by calling His followers to a higher standard of love and kindness that transcends mere reciprocity. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of selfless love, as seen in passages like Matthew 5:44, where Jesus instructs to love enemies and pray for persecutors. The call to do good without expecting anything in return reflects the character of God, who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked (Luke 6:35). Mat 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward… what credit is that to you? The term "credit" here can be understood as a form of spiritual reward or merit. In Jewish thought, acts of righteousness were often associated with accruing favor with God. However, Jesus emphasizes that merely reciprocating kindness does not distinguish His followers from the world. This teaching is consistent with the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus speaks of rewards in heaven for those who practice righteousness for God's sake rather than human approval (Matthew 6:1-4). The focus is on the purity of motives and the call to reflect God's grace, which is given freely and not earned. 1Pe 2:19-20 For if anyone endures the pain of unjust suffering… Even sinners do the same. By using the term "sinners," Jesus refers to those outside the covenant community, often perceived as morally or religiously inferior by the Jewish audience. This statement underscores the universality of reciprocal kindness, which is not unique to the followers of Christ. It challenges believers to rise above the common ethical standards of the day. The call is to embody a love that mirrors God's unconditional love, as seen in Romans 5:8, where Christ's sacrificial love is extended to humanity while still in sin. This radical love serves as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, setting believers apart as children of God. Mat 5:47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, delivering a sermon that includes teachings on love, mercy, and the nature of true righteousness. 2. Disciples The primary audience of Jesus' teachings, though the message is applicable to all followers of Christ. 3. Sinners A term used to describe those who are not living according to God's commandments, often used in contrast to those who are righteous. 4. The Sermon on the Plain The context in which this teaching is delivered, a collection of Jesus' teachings similar to the Sermon on the Mount. 5. The Kingdom of God The overarching theme of Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the values and behaviors expected of its citizens. Teaching Points The Nature of True RighteousnessTrue righteousness goes beyond reciprocal kindness. It reflects God's unconditional love and grace. Imitating Christ As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example of loving and doing good to all, regardless of their actions towards us. The Challenge of Selflessness Doing good without expecting anything in return challenges our natural inclinations and requires reliance on the Holy Spirit. The Witness of Good Works Our actions serve as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, drawing others to Christ. Eternal Perspective Focusing on heavenly rewards rather than earthly recognition aligns our actions with God's eternal purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:33 challenge our natural inclinations towards reciprocity in relationships?2. In what ways can we practically apply the principle of doing good to those who may not reciprocate in our daily lives? 3. How does understanding the original Greek word for "credit" (charis) as "grace" deepen our understanding of this verse? 4. How do the teachings in Romans 12:20-21 and 1 Peter 2:20 complement Jesus' message in Luke 6:33? 5. Reflect on a time when you did good to someone who did not return the favor. How did that experience shape your understanding of Christian love and service? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 5:46-47This passage parallels Luke 6:33, emphasizing the call to love beyond those who love us. Romans 12:20-21 Paul echoes Jesus' teaching by encouraging believers to overcome evil with good, even towards enemies. 1 Peter 2:20 Peter discusses the commendation of enduring suffering for doing good, aligning with the principle of doing good without expecting reciprocity. Proverbs 25:21-22 The Old Testament wisdom literature also speaks to the idea of doing good to one's enemies, promising a reward from the Lord. James 2:14-17 James emphasizes that faith without works is dead, highlighting the importance of active goodness.
People Alphaeus, Andrew, Bartholomew, David, James, Jesus, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thomas, ZelotesPlaces Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Sidon, TyreTopics Act, Bad, Credit, Grace, Kind, Sinful, Sinners, Thank, Thanks, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes Luke 6:27-36 5013 heart, divine Library Laws of the Kingdom'And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God, 21. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22. 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. 23. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture Three Condensed Parables Our Deserts Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity The Blessing of Mercy, Rash Decisions. The Reward of Obedience. "Be Doers of the Word. " The Golden Rule of Life. That all Hope and Trust is to be Fixed in God Alone Judged by Fruit The Christian Assisted in Examining into his Growth in Grace. We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which Christian Love... Whether Poverty of Spirit is the Beatitude which Corresponds to the Gift of Fear Whether the Beatitudes Differ from the virtues and Gifts? Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter . Of Christian Liberty. How the Joyful and the Sad are to be Admonished. The Present Life as Related to the Future. In the Name of Christ "For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. For Ye have not Received the Spirit of Bondage In the Bitter Cold of Winter the Trees Stand Bare of Leaves... Links Luke 6:33 NIVLuke 6:33 NLT Luke 6:33 ESV Luke 6:33 NASB Luke 6:33 KJV Luke 6:33 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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