Down with Them
Luke 6: 17-26

Rev. Dr. Leslie Taylor, preaching

Continuing in the Gospel of Luke, we read the “Sermon on the Plain.” This same sermon, found in the Gospel of Matthew, is known as the Sermon on the Mount. In Luke's version, Jesus comes down from a higher part of the hill or the mountain to stand on the same level as the crowd, including the disciples and a multitude of folks from throughout the region. Jesus situated himself among the people. In his longest speech so far, he shows present and potential disciples, and those who would lead them, what God's gracious mercy requires of all who would follow Jesus. God's mercy will wear a human face in their company.

Jesus is available, accessible, and touchable. His ministry encompasses all. The people came from Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon just as Jesus will instruct the disciples to witness to the good news “in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 18) Jesus coming down to the crowd reflects not only a heavenly descent on his part, it also models an approach to ministry that reaches the world through humility. In the kindom, the goal is not to go higher; it is to go where there is need so that all may be well.

Another distinction between the Lukan account and Matthew's version is the presence of a series of "woe" statements. Like Matthew, Luke reframes blessings and presents a countercultural perspective on faithful life. Through the litany of blessings and woes, Luke juxtaposes the condition of what may be described as the lower economic class or downtrodden with the upper economic class or privileged. These are not simply theological statements; they promise and proclaim God's justice among the people who have come seeking deliverance and healing.

Where do you imagine Jesus coming down today?

Where is God calling the church to go, and who will we meet there?

In what ways do you commit to come down?

Based on Luke 6:17-26

 Music this week:

• Blessed Be Your Name

• Heart of Worship

• Sanctuary

• Give Thanks

• Here I Am, Lord

• Create in Me a Clean Heart

• Jesus-Man