On this Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, we will read from the Gospel according to Luke. After performing many healings, we hear Jesus teaching the crowd about what life is like for those who live the Good News of the Gospel. The teaching can be challenging for those who live in a world that often proclaims a different list of "blessings and woes." We will explore the message and teaching of Jesus as he talks to the crowd from the plain.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Gospel according to Luke. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (Luke 6:17-26).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Read the assigned Scripture for the week, and reflect on any words or phrases that may have caught your attention. What do you believe the people were expecting from Jesus in this Scripture passage?
Read the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below; and reflect on the author's statement that "God is ultimately responsible for the blessings and curses that are at the heart of the sermon." - do you believe God is responsible for both the blessings and the curses or your life...or do you disagree with the author's statement; and why so you agree or disagree?
After reading the "WHERE..." paragraph below, reflect on the author's statement, "God is always breaking down the barriers we construct to keep God in or out." Where in your life do you find barriers to God's presence? Do you believe you have contributed to creating these barriers; and if so, how have you? What might you do to help God break down the barriers to God's presence in your life?
After reading the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below, reflect on the author's statement that "Jesus' sermon is meant for who have made a commitment to follow Christ...rather than being presented as binding on society in its widest sense." Do you agree with the author, that Jesus was speaking only, or maybe primarily to, those who made a commitment to follow him, rather than the general crowd about him? What are the implications of this idea (that Jesus was speaking only to his followers), and what does that imply about the responsibility of Jesus' followers to spread the word?
After reading the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph, reflect on the author's statement that the word of Jesus, made plain before those who listened to him, is a truth that can only "be heard through our participation in a community." What is the importance of being part of a community, and what do you think can be accomplished in a community that might be very difficult or impossible to accomplish alone?
