The Sermon on the Plain is a significant discourse delivered by Jesus Christ, recorded in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 6:17-49. This sermon is often compared to the more extensive Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7. While both sermons share similar themes and teachings, the Sermon on the Plain is distinct in its setting and some of its content.

Context and Setting

The Sermon on the Plain takes place after Jesus chooses His twelve apostles. According to Luke 6:17, Jesus "came down with them and stood on a level place." This setting contrasts with the Sermon on the Mount, which is delivered on a mountainside. The audience includes a large crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, and those troubled by unclean spirits were cured (Luke 6:18-19).

Content and Themes

The Sermon on the Plain contains several key teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the values of the Kingdom of God and the ethical conduct expected of His followers. The sermon begins with a series of blessings and woes:

1. Beatitudes and Woes: Jesus pronounces blessings on the poor, the hungry, those who weep, and those who are hated for His sake (Luke 6:20-23). These blessings highlight the reversal of worldly values, where the marginalized and suffering are promised future joy and reward. In contrast, Jesus pronounces woes on the rich, the well-fed, those who laugh, and those who are spoken well of, warning them of future sorrow (Luke 6:24-26).

2. Love for Enemies: Jesus commands His followers to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who mistreat them (Luke 6:27-28). This radical love reflects the character of God and challenges believers to transcend natural inclinations for revenge or retaliation.

3. The Golden Rule: Jesus encapsulates His teaching on interpersonal relationships with the principle, "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Luke 6:31). This rule serves as a foundational ethic for Christian conduct.

4. Judging Others: Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment, urging His followers to first examine their own faults before criticizing others (Luke 6:37-42). This teaching emphasizes humility and self-awareness in relationships.

5. A Tree and Its Fruit: Jesus uses the metaphor of a tree and its fruit to illustrate that a person's actions reveal their true character (Luke 6:43-45). Good trees produce good fruit, and likewise, a good person produces good deeds.

6. The Wise and Foolish Builders: The sermon concludes with a parable contrasting those who hear Jesus' words and act on them with those who do not. The wise builder, who lays a foundation on rock, represents those who obey Jesus' teachings, while the foolish builder, who builds on ground without a foundation, represents those who ignore His words (Luke 6:46-49).

Significance

The Sermon on the Plain is a profound exposition of the values and ethics of the Kingdom of God. It challenges believers to live counter-culturally, embodying love, mercy, and humility. The teachings of Jesus in this sermon continue to inspire and guide Christians in their daily lives, calling them to reflect the character of Christ in their interactions with others.