Luke 6:38 (LSB) 38 Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

When Jesus taught in parables, He was always careful to make sure He used examples that were relevant to the life that people were familiar with.

He wanted them to easily understand what He was saying so they could receive understanding from God’s Spirit.

Speaking in ways that were difficult for the people to understand would benefit no one. They would walk away as spiritually ignorant as they were prior to hearing Jesus teach.

The verse above is one that we frequently hear taught. It speaks directly about generosity. But Jesus used verbiage that the people could readily relate to and draw conclusions from.

Let’s break this down a bit so we can be sure to get a clear understanding of what Jesus said, and why He chose the words He used.

As Jesus taught them about giving, He used the phrase, “They will pour into your lap a good measure”, which may seem foreign to our modern-day minds. What does this mean?

This is a direct reference to the marketplaces of that time. Grain at that time was poured into containers. Long robes were used to carry any excess.

As grain was measured out, the receiving container was shaken as a means of causing the grain to settle, creating room for more grain. This guaranteed that the buyer was getting a “full measure” of what they were buying.

And they would often get extra to be sure they received their money’s worth.

Jesus used this familiar practice to teach the people about the importance of generosity, and giving liberally.

His primary message was that we receive by the same standard we use in our giving.

If we give little, we also receive little. But if we give much, we will be abundantly blessed by God for our generosity.

This is a spiritual principle put in place by God that He wants us to understand and to live by. It is not merely a suggestion, but a deep truth that has large ramifications.

So, let us develop understanding in this area and put it into practice in our daily lives. For with the measure we bless others, by that same measure will we too be blessed.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

If you know someone who will enjoy this or be encouraged by it, please feel free to share it with them!

To have the Bible Verse of The Day delivered to your inbox each day, please Click Here and then enter your email address in the box near the upper left corner of the page.