Reacting to people who are complete jerks

Luke 6: 20—23, 27—45, 47—49

How do you go about recognizing a jerk when you see one?

Read verses 20 – 23. Describe the kind of person who according to Jesus is living a happy life.

How does this perspective of blessedness contrast with our usual way of defining happiness?

What would be Jesus’ reasoning for arguing that those kind of people are blessed?

How well do you relate to the blessed people Jesus describes in this passage?

What are some ways that you are poor, or hunger, or weep, or are excluded?

How do you tend to react when you realize you are in such a negative situation?

How does this text help you see your life from a different angle?

How should you react when you identify yourself as someone Jesus mentions in this passage?

Read verses 27 – 45.
What are some categories into which you might place Jesus’ teachings in this passage?

In general, how would you describe Jesus’ expectation on how we should treat other people?

What reasons does Jesus give us for his demand for us to treat others that way?

Which of Jesus’ teachings in this text do you find most difficult to practically apply?

Which of these teachings do you find most personally appealing?

Reading this text, in what way are you most convicted in your personal life?

Spend some time right now praying and asking Jesus to help you gain victory in that area.

Read verses 47 – 49. What metaphor does Jesus use to describe the different responses people have to his teaching?

How is this metaphor particularly apropos when discussing life teaching in his setting?

Why is Jesus so confident about the practical impact of his teachings in people’s lives?

In what ways is your life founded upon the rock of Jesus’ teaching?

In what ways is your life built upon your own presuppositions?

How have you seen the truth of Jesus’ metaphor demonstrated in your own personal experience?