Luke 6:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.

NIV: "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.

NASB: But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full.

CSB: But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your comfort.

NLT: 'What sorrow awaits you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now.

KJV: But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

NKJV: “But woe to you who are rich, For you have received your consolation.

In the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus gives four blessings (Luke 6:20–23). He also offers four corresponding woes: promises of coming hardships. Where Jesus promised that the poor would receive the kingdom of God, He warns that the rich have all the comfort they are ever going to experience. In Matthew, Jesus mentions something similar. Speaking of those who perform charitable deeds to attract attention, He says, "Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward" (Matthew 6:2).

This is a sobering thought. "Received" is a business term that means a transaction has been permanently finalized. Instead of the promise of the kingdom of God, which includes the Holy Spirit's presence today and paradise for eternity, those who value riches more than Jesus are experiencing the most comfort, joy, happiness, and fulfillment that they ever will. Like the rich ruler, they are blinded to the reality of eternity and cling to what they have in this life (Luke 18:18–25). The only way a person can live their "best life now" is if they are destined for an eternity separated from God (Revelation 20:11–15).

These woes have a specific context. The people mentioned here are rich, full, and happy because they are as deceptive as false prophets (Luke 6:24–26). Jesus isn't saying that no one with money can follow Him. He is not claiming that the rich can never receive forgiveness from their sins and reconciliation with God. Both Zacchaeus and Joseph of Arimathea were wealthy (Luke 19:1–10; Matthew 27:57). But those whose earthly needs and desires are filled now often find it difficult to look beyond their present circumstances to their spiritual needs (Luke 18:25). This should inspire Jesus-followers to love and forgive them (Luke 6:27–42).

Luke 6:20–26 begins Jesus' ''Sermon on the Level Place'' or ''Sermon on the Plain.'' Luke segues from the practical distinction between Jesus' followers and detractors. He moves along to prophetic promises to each group, with four blessings and four woes. The descriptors poor versus rich, hungry versus full, and mournful versus happy might seem purely circumstantial. However, they represent the consequences of identifying with Jesus and thus facing persecution, versus identifying with the world and thus enjoying worldly privilege. Jesus uses the blessings promised to His persecuted followers to inspire them to love their enemies just as their Father does (Luke 6:27–42).

Luke 6 contains two main sections of teaching and calls to discipleship. Luke 6:1–16 continues the pattern of Luke 5. The two ways in which Jesus sets aside tradition—this time by taking authority over the Sabbath—are paired with His call for the Twelve disciples. Luke 6:17–49 records Jesus' teaching on the ''level place,'' or His ''Sermon on the Plain,'' and a call to a crowd for general discipleship. Much of this material has parallels in Matthew 5 through 7, but it's not clear if the two accounts are of the same event. As a travelling teacher, Christ likely gave the same general message multiple times.

Luke 6 completes Jesus' call for disciples and followers that started in Luke 5. Luke 5:1—6:16 consists of three calls for disciples, each paired with two revolutionary teachings about Jesus' authority that increasingly infuriate the religious leaders. Luke 6:17–49 continues the theme with a general call for followers and a description of their responsibilities. In Luke 7:1—8:3, Jesus interacts with the other: Gentiles, women, and even the dead. This is followed by another general call (Luke 8:4–21), a series of miracles (Luke 8:22—9:17), and a final call for the Twelve to follow Him even more deeply (Luke 9:18–50).

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.