The Vine: Feb. 24, 2025
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”
This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)
“ But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.[a] Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”
One of the most difficult things about preaching is not “coming up with something to say” but deciding what not to say. Most biblical texts offer plenty of opportunities to say something about God, our relationship with God, and our relationship with others. This passage from Luke 6 is certainly no exception. It is commonly known as the “Sermon on the Plain”, as Jesus stood on a level place as he taught the disciples. It obviously shares similarities with the “Sermon on the Mount” that we find in Matthew chapters 5-7.
Possibilities for an entire sermon would include:
Love your enemies
Turning the other cheek
Do to others as we would have them do to us
Unconditional love
Being merciful, just as God is merciful
Exploring the concept of a God who is kind to the “ungrateful” and “wicked”
Do not judge
Forgive and be forgiven
The measure you give will be the measure you get back
Obviously, an entire sermon series could be built around these teachings. I can just imagine what the disciples (learners) were saying to one another as Jesus taught from the level place: “What did he just say? Love our enemies??” “What was that he said about God being kind to the ungrateful and wicked? Why?” “I like to judge other people. Why in the world would Jesus tell us not to judge?”
If we are honest with ourselves, we ask the same questions when we hear these teachings from Jesus and wonder how we can possibly live up to what he is asking of his disciples. While Jesus asks us to do difficult things, he has not asked the impossible. As scripture teaches us, with God all things are possible. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit living in and through us we are able to do what might seem impossible – forgiving that family member we have not spoken with in over twenty years, being merciful to that co-worker who deserves anything but mercy, withholding judgment on our friend’s actions that appear in conflict with goodness, and being kind to the ungrateful child who doesn’t seem to appreciate the sacrifices made on his or her behalf.
At the very least, a good goal for every follower of Jesus Christ would be to strive to be as merciful and forgiving as God has been towards us. When we understand mercy and forgiveness in that framework, then there will be enough grace for all of us.
Prayer:
“Loving God, we confess that these teachings are difficult. We find it much easier to hate our enemies than to love them. We want mercy for ourselves, yet justice for others and often live as if love should be anything but unconditional. Yet, through Jesus Christ and his life, death, and resurrection, you have shown us that unconditional love is the path to being fully alive and present with you. Help us to be the people you created us to be and thank you for your mercy that extends to us today. Amen.”
Questions for Reflection:
Why do you think Jesus demanded so much of his disciples? Why does he demand so much from us?
How have you learned to love your enemies? What makes someone an “enemy”? Can you think of some historical examples of people who have loved their enemies?
Jesus said, “Do not judge.” How do you appropriate that teaching in your day-to-day life?
What is the significance of practicing generosity without expectation?
Jesus said, “The measure you give will be the measure you get back.” What does that mean to you?
PREVIOUS WEEKS
To view all previous devotions go to https://fumc-rr.org/the-vine