Day 302

The Preaching of Jesus

Read: Luke 5-6

Matthew gives us the Sermon on the Mount. Luke gives us a similar sermon but tells us it was delivered on “a level place.” There are two possibilities. One is that these were two different sermons. After all, Jesus preached many sermons in many places, and the content in each place very likely had some similarities. The other possibility is that this was one sermon, delivered on a level spot on the mountain.

Both accounts tell of the blessings we will receive if we have the right attitudes. Luke also records the “woes” which come to those who have so much that they yield to the temptation of being complacent.

Jesus stresses the importance of doing good (6:27, 33, 35). We must realize that we are not saved by good works, but only through faith in Christ. We must also remind ourselves that we are saved to live a life of good works, doing all the good we can to all the people we can in every way we can. Jesus reminds us that such good must not just be done to people who are nice to us, but also to those who are not.

Later in the sermon, Jesus says “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good” (6:45). Salvation is a matter of escaping from hell, but it is much more. It is also a changing life that increasingly reflects the very life of Christ himself, who always went about doing good—to people.

PRAYER
Father, we praise you for saving us by grace alone. Enable us to do good as you have commanded us. Amen.