Blessings and Woes

Luke 6:17-26

Key Verse 6:22

1. Verses 17-19 mention about two classes of people: 1) "a large crowd of his disciples"; and 2) "a great number of people." How are the two groups different? 

2. The expression "Looking at his disciples" (in verse 20) indicates that Jesus addressed his message on the blessings and woes to "his disciples" alone. Why?

3. In verses 20-26 the word "blessed" or "woe" is repeated. What does "blessed" or "woe" mean? 

4. Verses 20-25 describe ideas which are opposite in meanings. What do the following expressions mean? 

1) "you who are poor" vs. "you who are rich";

2) "you who hunger now" vs. "who are well bed now"; and

3) "you who weep now" vs. "you who laugh" now.

5. Verses 20-26 also talk about "now" vs. "in that day" (23). What does "in that day" mean? (Luke 17:31)

6. Verse 23 talks about "reward in heaven". What does the reward "in heaven" mean? 

7. Compare verses 22-23 with verse 26. Jesus distinguishes "the prophets" (in verse 23) from "the false prophets" in verse 26. How can we tell true prophets from false prophets?