Luke 6:20-26

The choices of disciples 6:20-26

Matthew recorded nine beatitudes, but Luke included only four. Matthew gave no woes, but Luke recorded four. The four beatitudes precede the four woes, and the beatitudes parallel the woes in thought. The beatitudes are positive and the woes correspondingly negative (cf. Psalms 1; Isaiah 5:8-23).

Two types of disciples are in view throughout this section of the sermon, the poor and oppressed and the rich and popular. The first type can anticipate God satisfying their needs, but the second type should expect divine judgment. The comparisons call on the disciples to consider which group they want to be in. Matthew’s beatitudes are more ethical and describe what a disciple of Jesus ought to be. Luke’s beatitudes describe the actual condition of the two types of disciples and the consequences of those conditions. A beatitude is an acknowledgment of a fortunate state of being (cf. Psalms 1:1; Proverbs 14:21; Proverbs 16:20; Proverbs 29:18). They mock the world’s values by exalting what the world despises and rejecting what the world admires. [Note: Morris, p. 126.]