Jesus' teaching this week in Luke 6 is a continuation of the "Sermon on the Plain" that began in verse 17 of last week's reading. As we study this passage, we might find ourselves being overwhelmed with how we actually put these words into practice. There are two realizations that might keep us from becoming overwhelmed.
1) Only a life that is transformed by the grace of Jesus can implement these teachings. All of Jesus' teachings in this passage are the opposite of how we normally act and react to negative treatment by others. From our sinful nature, we typically meet the aggression of an enemy with retaliation and violent force. Only a heart that is being transformed by Jesus can meet the aggression or unfair treatment of an enemy with mercy and forgiveness. (The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart. - vs. 45) Thus, these are heart matters and not simply matters of action. When our hearts are captured and transformed by the grace of Jesus, we find ourselves looking at enemies and those who harm us with love and mercy rather than hatred.
2) The application of these teachings make us like Jesus. It doesn't makes sense initially to allow someone to strike us without retaliation or to pray blessings for those who curse us...until we realize that this is exactly the way God reacts toward humanity...including ourselves. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful - vs. 36 We become "sons of the Most High" (vs. 35) when we show mercy to those who do not deserve it.
Here is an outline of this week's reading:
1) vs. 27-36 - Jesus gives a simple command, love your enemies, followed by three variations of it.
Jesus then provides four applications of the command. One of those applications is the Golden Rule in verse 31 - do to others as you would have them do to you.
2) vs. 37-38 - Two negative commands are given that relate to the authority of God to do what ONLY God can do - judge and condemn. Two positive commands are given that relate to actions of God that we are both allowed and commanded to emulate - forgive and give.
3) vs. 39-45 - Three parables highlight the need for us as disciples to be guided by the Master who transforms our inner nature so that we can carry out these teachings.
How do we apply these verses: we need to ask ourselves, with whom do I need to put these teachings into practice? If I did, what would be the outcome? We will likely find that putting these teachings into practice leads to better outcomes in the long-run than reacting with violence and retaliation. We will also find that practicing these teachings will reveal the glory of Christ to those who mistreat us.
A Jesus-shaped faith is defined by the actions of love, mercy, and forgiveness toward those who least deserve it.
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