Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Luke 6:27-38
Pastor Jean M. Hansen
Today the Sermon on the Plain (the level place) continues, and Jesus continues to level with his first followers, and us, about what it means to be his disciples. Last Sunday I ended my sermon by saying that Jesus has leveled with us about what will bring blessings to our lives and world, and what will create woe for us and others.
Another way to summarize his sermon from last week is to say that we and others are blessed when our lives are God-centered, regardless of our earthly circumstances, and we and others suffer woe whenever we are self-centered. In today’s passage, Jesus is describing what being God-centered looks like, and it strikes us as being more than a little challenging. Doing so involves resisting hate, curses, abuse, theft and judgment by responding to those things with love, mercy, nonviolence, generosity and forgiveness.
Jesus knows this way of living is different than what is widely accepted, which is transactional behavior – what I do to you is based on what you do to me (or what I perceive you do to me).
In a recent article in Christian Century, Peter W. Marty noted, and I quote, “The general public’s tolerance for people who see themselves as wronged, and who delight in seeing others suffer at their hands is astounding.” People in public office have referred to themselves as “your retribution” or their campaigns as “revenge tours.” Vindictive behavior is accepted behavior. And so, writes Peter Marty, “…we best counter such behavior by anchoring our own lives more deeply in God.” (1)
The problem with the transactional response is, notes commentator Mary Hinkle Shore, that when hate is returned for hate, the original hate has won because it inspires and directs our actions. Instead, what we do should be a response to God, not to others. (2)
And yet, it’s still hard to consider actually loving enemies and doing good to those who hate us, blessing those who curse us and praying for those who abuse us, as Jesus commands. That’s why it’s important to realize that Jesus’ words are not intended to be tried alone; they are spoken to community and in community so that we can support one another as we strive to do to others and we would have them do to us.
Living in this way is not a passive response, as some might consider it to be, but a way to resist constantly reacting rather than responding. As commentator Shore noted, “When we live the ethic of this Sermon in the face of this world’s violence, we are collectively saying to those who hate, abuse, strike, judge and condemn, “you are not the boss of me.” We are demonstrating that bad behavior cannot goad us into reacting in kind. We are resisting the evils we deplore.” (3)
When Jesus says, “Love your enemies”, the word for love does not mean loving, liking or even friendship. This love is about behavior, not feeling. And the behavior is so that something else can happen; for example, so that God’s kingdom can come on earth as it is in heaven.
Quoting commentator David Ewart, “So when Jesus says, “Love your enemies”, he is saying: Behave toward your enemies in the ways that will create justice, kindness, mercy, harmony and well-being for all creation. Oddly, this might mean you might not like the other. (You) might oppose some of their behaviors. (You) might speak and act against some of what they stand for. But, if you love your enemies, the way you express your dislike and opposition will always express your total desire for their well-being so that the world might be well. Your total desire is to be in the relationship with them that God desires for you both.” (4)
YIKES!! That’s challenging, and oh so counter cultural and counter what I’m inclined to do, which is why we need each other. Please note that Jesus gives three specific suggestions for how to love our enemies. First, do good, which is to act rightly and honorably. Second, bless, which means to speak well of and confer favor on. Third, pray for, which is to lift them up to God. Not only are we not inclined to do these things we might ask why we would do so.
As commentator Scott Hoezee boldly stated, “Why would Jesus set us up to be chumps and suckers, wide open to abuse? Does anyone really operate that way?” (5) The answer to that question is, “Yes”. Look again at the end of verse 35 and verse 36. “…for God is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
The Greek word that we translate merciful is related to the word for compassion, that is, being concerned about someone’s situation, having empathy for their misery. It’s the word used for the mercy God shows humanity.
“Mercy changes the way we see ourselves and how we see others (which changes the way we act and treat one another). If we are to see ourselves as “children of the Most High”, then the character of the merciful one will need to be seen in how we live. Mercy flows in the opposite direction of judgement and condemnation; mercy spurts out as forgiveness and generosity,” writes commentator Chelsey Harmon. (6)
Please note that generosity and forgiveness do not exclude telling the truth about wrongs or harm done. Forgiveness and generosity become powerful when we name the wrong and still choose not to react in like manner, to model a different way.
Jesus is leveling with us, and it’s a true challenge to hear what he is saying without becoming discouraged, defensive or coming up with reasons why his words do not apply to us. This living in a way that is different from the accepted norm is hard; we need each other for encouragement, accountability and to create strength in numbers. This is what it means to follow Jesus. AMEN
“A Dish Best Not Served” by Peter W. Marty, The Christian Century, March 2025, pg. 1
“Commentary on Luke 6:27-28” by Mary Hinkle Shore, www.workingpreacher.org
Same as #2
“Holy Textures”, Year C, Epiphany 7, by David Ewart, www.holytextures.com
“Luke 6:27-38 Commentary” by Scott Hoezee, February 24, 2019, www.cepreaching.org
“Luke 6:27-38 Commentary” by Chelsey Harmon, February 23, 2025, www.cepreaching.org