The Hardest of Jesus' Teachings

Lukan Jesus is not pulling any punches.

These are among the hardest of Jesus’ teachings.

Seriously. Just read it. Slowly.

So you love your child? So what? So do sinners.

Love. Your. Enemies.

Be like God.

He gave you all of the grace whilst you couldn’t have cared less about it.

Be like God.

(Just in case there might be someone reading this passage today who might be told by someone that Give, and it will be given to you is about giving to the Church…it’s not. Don’t give to pastors/preachers/churches who tell you you’ll get financial reward for giving of your finances. That is not what Jesus is saying here.)

I’ve got nothing else for you on today’s passage. It speaks for itself.

Sit with it.
Then ask the Spirit where to start.

Luke 6:27-38

“But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other one as well. If someone takes your coat, don’t withhold your shirt either. Give to everyone who asks and don’t demand your things back from those who take them. Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.

“If you love those who love you, why should you be commended? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, why should you be commended? Even sinners do that. If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, why should you be commended? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to be paid back in full. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have a great reward. You will be acting the way children of the Most High act, for he is kind to ungrateful and wicked people. Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate.

“Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.”

Psalm 103:8-12

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, very patient, and full of faithful love.
God won’t always play the judge; he won’t be angry forever.
He doesn’t deal with us according to our sin or repay us according to our wrongdoing, because as high as heaven is above the earth, that’s how large God’s faithful love is for those who honor him. As far as east is from west—that’s how far God has removed our sin from us.

Prayer

God,

Some days I’m feeling real good about my following Jesus. I didn’t swear. When I got angry, I quickly shifted to a breath prayer. I even managed not to react to that email from the person who can be so hard to deal with. I give my offering, rather generously, I think. I honor my parents. I don’t cheat on my wife. I don’t steal. I don’t lie. I’m doing pretty good.

Then I read Jesus’ words here in the sermon on the plain and I’m dumbfounded. Can I do it? Can I possibly live up to the grace of Jesus’ commands here?

So help me, God.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.