6:17
This is often called the Sermon on the Plain, contrasting it with the more famous Sermon on the Mount. There are many similarities between the two, but differences as well, and this one is shorter. This is not at all surprising. What we get in the gospels is a condensed report of Jesus’ teaching, and He, like all preachers, would have taught similar things on different occasions, especially as they didn’t have podcasts or YouTube in those days! If you wanted someone else to hear the message you had to preach it to them again.
The level place could actually be a plateau on a hillside. Jesus had already gathered many disciples. There were also many others who were not disciples who came to hear. We could view this as one useful model for what church, or church meetings, should be like. Many people who are committed Christians, but also attracting many others who are fascinated by what is happening.
6:18,19
Why had they come? To hear Jesus teach and to be healed. Yet again we see the connection between teaching and healing, and we really need to heal the divide between the two that usually exists in the church today. People were healed, and evil spirits were evicted. Power was flowing from Jesus and healing them all. Next we will get the teaching. Now notice two things about the teaching. First it is not concerned with healing, Jesus did not teach them about healing, taught them about the kingdom. Secondly, His teaching is not “seeker-friendly” but deeply challenging. Now I am not saying we should never be “seeker-friendly”, but we must not make an idol out of it, and if our teaching and preaching is never challenging, both to the church and to the world, then it is very doubtful that we are actually preaching the word of God.
No comments:
Post a Comment