THE SERMON ON THE PLAIN - Luke 6:17-49

4/4/2021

THE SERMON ON THE PLAIN

In the previous section, we learnt that Jesus chose His apostles. He came down the hill and stood on a level place. He gave a sermon to those present. This address is referred to as the sermon on the plain in Luke’s Gospel.
The people had come to hear Jesus’ word to receive healing and for Jesus to exercise unclean spirits from them. In the sermon, Jesus talked of the characteristics of the new community. All those who would listen to His word would be the “New Israel”.

THE SERMON ON THE PLAIN - Luke 6:17-49

After Jesus Christ chose his apostles, he came down the hill and stood on a level place. He gave a sermon to those present.
The people had come to hear Jesus Christ’s word and to receive healing from their diseases and also for Jesus to exorcise unclean spirits from them.
He addressed various issues concerning the New Community/ The New Israel.
The sermon on the plain consisted of five main parts, giving a description of the life of the ‘new people’ of God, i.e.

i. Blessings and woes. 6:20 – 26

Also referred to as the Beatitudes, Jesus Christ had a message for;

The poor, rich.
Those that hunger.
Those that are full.
Those who weep.
Those who laugh.

ii. Love of enemies. (6:27 – 36)

The followers of Christ are expected to ‘love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who abuse you.’ (vs. 27 – 28)
The disciples were to love people unconditionally.

iii. Judging others. (6:37 – 42)

The disciples are expected to acknowledge their own shortcomings before condemning the faults of others.

iv. Evidence of Good Discipleship. (6:43-45)

True discipleship is seen in what a person says and does e.g. been generous and forgiving others.

v. Hearing and doing. (6:46 – 49)

Disciples are expected to demonstrate total commitment to Christ and do His will.

Lessons that Christians from the sermon on the plain

Christians should endure in suffering for Christ in order to inherit eternal kingdom.
Christians should love their enemies so as to help them to change their attitude.
Christians should examine their shortcomings before passing judgment on others.
Christians should preach the gospel in order to bring others to Christ.
Church leaders should clarify the expected standards of behavior for their members.
Christians should not retaliate but should forgive as a way of promoting peace in the society.
Christians should be generous and share with the needy.
Christians should promote peace (Luke 6:29), this means that Christians should resolve their differences peacefully.