What Do We Do Today?

Dr Richard Smith - 16/02/2025

Jesus said: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them“. In his Sermon on the Plain in our reading today Jesus (Luke 6:17-26) sets out what he meant.

Some 70 years ago my Minister Rev John Yeo advised me that on reading the Bible remember “..the Ten Commandments are not an outworn system of Law but the basic ethical cradle of modern civilisation”.  Still relevant to societies needs today, when interpreted in terms of our own times and can be summarised as Jesus did as Loving God and our Neighbour as ourselves (Matthew 22:35-40). When ignored our civilisation begins to unravel.

In contrast the Rev Francis McNabb the former Minister of St Michael Uniting Church in Collins St. Melbourne for some 45 years declared in 2008 that the “Ten Commandments were one of the most negative documents ever written" and spent $120,000 on provocative billboards that upset the wider Church. It was part of his campaign to make the Christian Faith relevant to our time and it did increase his own congregation. But McNabb was also a practising psychologist helping people with their mental health. Clearly reciting the Ten Commandments to address a person’s mental health problems would probably only make then worse.

Some 2000 years ago Jesus gave a different perspective in his Sermon on the Plain (Luke 5: 17-2). On coming down from the Mountain like Moses, Jesus reaffirmed many of the principles found in the Ten Commandments while also expanding their scope and application.  He built upon and deepened the ethical and spiritual foundations laid by the Mosaic Law.

 While the Ten Commandments primarily outline rules and regulations, Jesus elevates these principles to focus on the quality of relationships – with God and with others. God being the Spirit of Goodness and Truth revealed through Nature and our Human relationships – if we are able to open our eyes and experience the blessings waiting us.

Jesus distils the essence of the Law into two great commandments: loving God and loving one's neighbour. This emphasis on love in action as the fulfillment of the Law is a central theme in the Sermon on the Plain.

 Jesus also moves beyond external compliance to address the heart and motivations behind actions. For example, he speaks not just about avoiding murder, but also about managing anger and reconciling with others.

In the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus addresses several themes that expand upon the Ten Commandments:

1.     Jesus pronounces blessings on the poor, hungry, and persecuted, contrasting with the world's values as we see happening in much of the world today. This reflects the first commandment's emphasis on prioritizing God above all else, for the rich to share their good fortune with the poor which is the basis of the Modern Welfare State with its progressive rates of taxation and a significant topic of present political debate on how best to address the rising cost of living and lack of affordable housing.

2.     Jesus teaches to love enemies and do good to those who hate you, extending the commandment to love one's neighbour.  Nelson Mandela in South Africa who went to a Methodist School and Wesleyan College learnt what was necessary to survive 27 years in Prison and emerge to lead South Africa long march to freedom from Apartheid. He befriended his jailers and oppressors. Mandela's time in prison transformed him into a leader who saw forgiveness as a tool for personal liberation and societal healing. His ability to reconcile with those who oppressed him inspired a nation to move beyond its painful history toward unity and equality.

While the Ten Commandments provide a foundational ethical framework, Jesus' Sermon on the Plain deepens and internalizes these principles. Jesus presents a more relational and love-centered approach to fulfilling God's will, emphasizing the spirit of the law rather than mere literal observance. This teaching invites followers to live out God's commandments from a place of transformed hearts and minds, rather than simply adhering to external rules and appearances. This is to experience the resurrection from our Corinthians reading – according to the Gospel of Thomas, where the first saying of Jesus is: "Whoever finds the meaning of these words will not taste death," indicating a focus on spiritual immortality through understanding Jesus’ teachings rather than believing in his physical resurrection. Needless to say, the Gospel of Thomas did not make into our Cannon being considered to be full of heresies.

What then is the relevance of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain in our present time?

Jesus' places a strong emphasis on economic and social justice. He pronounces blessings on the poor and hungry, while warning the rich and satisfied. This teaching is particularly pertinent today, given the growing wealth inequality and persistent poverty in many parts of the world – creating an unstable world prone to outbreaks of violence. It challenges us to reconsider our economic systems and personal attitudes towards wealth and poverty.

Ethical Relationships and Non-Retaliation

The sermon advocates for ethical relationships based on love, even towards those who mistreat us. In a world often marked by conflict, division, and retaliation, Jesus' call to "love your enemies" and "do good to those who hate you" offers a radical alternative. A more compassionate and understanding approach to resolving conflicts, from interpersonal disagreements to international disputes – Gaza and Ukraine.

Authentic Faith vs. Religious Hypocrisy

While not explicitly mentioned in Luke's account, the sermon implicitly critiques religious hypocrisy. This is particularly relevant today, as many people, especially younger generations, who are often disillusioned with organized religion due to perceived hypocrisy. The sermon challenges religious institutions and individuals to focus on genuine care for human beings and their environment rather than mere outward displays of piety.

Environmental and Social Responsibility

Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Plain emphasize care for the marginalized and a focus on eternal values rather than temporary comforts. In our current context of climate change and environmental degradation, these teachings can be extended to encourage responsible stewardship of the planet and its resources for the benefit of all, especially the most vulnerable.

Mental Health and Well-being

The beatitudes in the sermon offer hope to those who are suffering, promising future comfort and joy. In a world grappling with increasing mental health challenges, these teachings can provide solace and perspective, encouraging resilience in the face of adversity. By addressing issues of social justice, ethical behaviour, authentic faith, and hope for the future, the Sermon on the Plain continues to offer valuable guidance for navigating the complex challenges of our modern world.

SLIDE 45 – Footprint of the Church in our Society

If the Christian Church was to vanish off the face of the earth tomorrow, we would be left with a visible and active legacy in our secular State of welfare, NDIS, education, health and community Services, all active reminders of the ongoing significance of Jesus Christ’s life and teachings.