Luke 6:20-23 20And lifting up his eyes onto his disciples, he said: Blessed are the poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Luke’s version of the Beatitudes is similar to Matthew 5 but also has noticeable differences. This set of beatitudes follows the basic pattern of Matthew’s and has similar content but Luke’s version has missing words or the lines are stated differently. Luke only records four beatitudes while Matthew has eight. Luke also includes woes that are missing in Matthew. This is Jesus’ second sermon that Luke records, with the first in 4:16-30. Jesus’ focus was particularly on his disciples. The challenge with these statements is how to apply them. Are the blessings and woes experienced in this lifetime or is Jesus referring to the end of time with all will be equalized, the righteous rewarded and the wicked judged? It may be best to consider both options in tension, for the experience of believers in this life will be completed when Jesus comes again, and the direction of the wicked will find its conclusion before God’s holy throne.
The word blessed (makarioi) can mean happy, or fortunate, or favored. The time of good experience that Jesus describes is not based on feelings, for few people want to be poor, hungry, sorrowful, or hated. The sense of wellness and experience of God’s grace comes not in the first part of the beatitude but in the reward in the second half. The first beatitude is missing Matthew’s “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), and so the reader is tempted to read the phrase economically. The majority of people to whom Jesus spoke would have been poor, just earning or growing enough for their daily bread. Often times the idea of being poor has an implied spiritual sense to it. Luke’s version could be inclusive of both. Those who realize their spiritual lack come to God in confession and dependence on his grace. Jesus came preaching the good news to the poor (4:18). Those who are economically poor learn to depend on God for their needs. Both follow a similar path of trust, humility, and dependence.
Jesus brought the kingdom and is the King of this kingdom. As the King, he has the power to provide what the people of his kingdom need. Those who are poor come trusting for their king to provide for their needs. Those who see King Jesus will find satisfaction. Their spiritual hunger will be met. Even their struggle in poverty can be tolerated because their hope is in something and someone greater than this life. The power of Jesus the crowds and disciples had seen and experienced thus far gave assurance to them that what Jesus promised would be fulfilled. Jesus’ words in this verse are indeed good news for those who have been given a bad deal in this world and are in desperation for something better. Jesus provides that. The blessing is not for wealth or even food but for relationship as citizens of his heavenly kingdom.
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