What is the Sermon on the Plain?

Answer

Jesus’ sermon in Luke 6 is sometimes referred to as the Sermon on the Plain. The content of the Sermon on the Plain (or the Sermon on the Plateau) closely resembles that of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5—7). Indeed, some scholars of the Bible view Matthew’s and Luke’s narratives as different testimonies of the same event. However, there are distinctions significant enough to regard the Sermon on the Plain and the Sermon on the Mount as speeches given at different times to distinct audiences.

Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount after ascending a mountain and sitting down, as stated in «And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: », (Matthew 5:1). He delivered the Sermon on the Plain after descending from a mountain and standing on a level place, as mentioned in «And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; », (Luke 6:17). Luke’s account of the Sermon on the Plain does not include the extensive teachings of Jesus on the law, and it incorporates various “woes” alongside the beatitudes. Additionally, it appears that the audience in Matthew came from different regions compared to the audience in Luke; one can compare Matthew 4:25 with Luke 6:17. It is plausible that Luke’s Sermon on the Plain is merely a condensed rendition of Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, but it seems more probable that Jesus delivered a similar sermon on two separate occasions, making slight adjustments to better suit the audience present.

The Sermon on the Plain commences with several beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23). Jesus blesses the poor (“yours is the kingdom of God”), the deprived (“you will be satisfied”), the sorrowful (“you will laugh”), and the persecuted (“great is your reward in heaven”). Following the blessings, Jesus pronounces a series of woes (verses 24–26), highlighting the tragedy of being rich (“you have already received your comfort”), of being satisfied (“you will go hungry”), of being carefree (“you will mourn and weep”), and of being popular (popularity is no measure of truth). In this part of the sermon, Jesus challenges the world’s perspective. Heaven’s values differ significantly from those of the earth. Avoid getting entangled in the world’s way of evaluating things; it is often mistaken.

Next in the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus issues seven surprising commands (Luke 6:27-31). Love your enemies, He instructs. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. Offer the other cheek to the one who strikes you. Give generously to everyone who asks of you. Lastly, Jesus presents the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (verse 31).

Continuing the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus discusses four laws that impact our daily lives: the law of reciprocity (Luke 6:37-38), the law of leadership (verses 39–40), the law of perspective (verses 41–42), and the law of the harvest (verses 43–45).

Regarding reciprocity, Jesus explains that if you judge others, you can anticipate being judged in return. If you condemn, you will face condemnation. However, if you offer forgiveness, you will be forgiven.

In discussing leadership, Jesus emphasizes the importance of whom you choose to follow, as you will end up where your leader goes and become like him. How you lead also matters. Bli

And leaders of the blind will lead everyone into the ditch.

Turning to the matter of perspective, Jesus mentions that we are often blind to our own faults, and we must be cautious of hypocrisy when attempting to assist others. Instead of pinpointing and criticizing the minor flaws in others’ lives, we should learn to acknowledge our own personal faults.

Jesus then employs the principle of the harvest to emphasize the significance of personal holiness before God. The fruit corresponds to the tree; a good heart will produce good deeds and good words.

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Plain with an urging to follow through on our commitment. It’s insufficient to call Jesus “Lord”; we must actually carry out what He instructs us « And why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? », (Luke 6:46). Those who obey the Lord will be unshakeable, like a house constructed on a solid rock (verses 47–48). Those who disobey or disregard the Lord’s commands will be like a house without a foundation—they will face a tragic collapse (verse 49).

Throughout the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus directs us to eternity and instructs us to be forward-thinking, to live in anticipation of heaven. And He presents Himself as the benchmark of righteousness and the very cornerstone of our lives.