Luke 6:47

Context of Luke 6:47

Luke 6:47 is part of what is commonly known as the Sermon on the Plain, delivered by Jesus to a large multitude of disciples and people (Luke 6:17-20). This specific verse serves as a crucial introduction to the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Luke 6:48-49), emphasizing the critical distinction between merely hearing Jesus' words and actively putting them into practice. It follows Jesus' profound teachings on love for enemies, mercy, and righteous judgment, setting the stage for the importance of applying these spiritual principles to one's life.

Key Themes and Messages

• Active Discipleship: This verse highlights that true following of Jesus involves more than just intellectual assent or passive listening. It demands an active response of obedience. The call is to "come to me, and hear my sayings, and do them." This three-part progression—coming, hearing, and doing—is essential for genuine discipleship and a life transformed by Christ.
• The Importance of Obedience: Jesus clearly states that the measure of a person's wisdom and stability is not just in their knowledge of His words, but in their willingness to obey them. This theme reinforces that faith without works is dead (James 2:26), underscoring the necessity of action as evidence of true faith.
• Foundation for Life: The phrase "I will shew you to whom he is like" directly anticipates the parable of the two builders, where the one who hears and does builds on a solid foundation, while the one who only hears builds without one. This signifies that obedience to Christ's teachings provides a stable and secure basis for navigating life's challenges and storms, ensuring spiritual resilience.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "doeth them" translates the Greek verb poieō (ποιέω), which means "to do," "to make," or "to perform." It implies intentional and active execution of the commands. Similarly, "heareth" (akouō - ἀκούω) refers to listening with understanding and attention, not just passively perceiving sound. The combination emphasizes a deliberate and practical response to Jesus' teachings, distinguishing it from superficial acknowledgment or mere intellectual agreement.

Practical Application

Luke 6:47 challenges believers to move beyond mere religious attendance or intellectual understanding of scripture. It calls for a life transformed by the power of God's Word through consistent application. To truly follow Jesus and build a lasting spiritual life, one must:

• Actively Engage: Seek out Jesus' teachings through diligent reading of Scripture and prayer.
• Listen Intently: Pay careful attention to understand the meaning and profound implications of His words for daily living.
• Apply Diligently: Put those teachings into practice in everyday life, whether it's loving enemies, extending mercy, forgiving others, or living righteously. This active obedience builds a strong spiritual foundation, allowing one to withstand the inevitable trials and challenges of life, much like the wise builder in Matthew's parallel account.