Thursday 07 February 2008

Background

This is the beginning of the Sermon on the Plain, which isLuke's version of the Sermon on theMount (from Matthew's Gospel). Like the Sermon on theMount, this sermon is addressed to disciples and the stress is onlove and not judging other people. Also, on making it clear thatdiscipleship is not just about the words we use but the whole ofour living.

Today's passage includes not only the beatitudes (verses 20-23),but also four warnings (verses 24-27) that are unique to Luke'sGospel. The point of the warnings is that although the humanconditions mentioned (wealth, a full stomach, laughter andapproval) are desirable, they have a tendency to lead us away fromGod and towards self-sufficiency, rather than the continuingrequirement of disciples to know God personally and trust God inall things.

The list of warnings is often called 'woes' as that is the wordused in older versions of the Bible. Words such as 'alas' or 'howterrible' could be used at the beginning of each sentence becauseJesus does not speak threateningly but with regret and sadness forthose who believe they have all they need and can cope without God.Instead, disciples are to hunger and thirst for righteousness forthat would lead them closer to God.

To Ponder

Do your abilities and gifts mean that you trustGod less than you ought?

Are you more self-sufficient than God wouldlike?

What can you do or alter to be more dependent onGod?