Journey WitnessesSample

Although much shorter, Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mount holds similar importance to Matthew’s account. Compared to over 100 verses in Matthew, Luke’s account of Jesus’ teaching is only 30 verses. He remains focused on the major themes and principles of Jesus’ words and much of the Jewish legalism because it did not pertain to his primary audience, the Gentiles. 

It is in these verses that we find the central point of the sermon—what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Luke wants to make sure his readers understand that the actions of a true disciple will reflect true love and true righteousness that stem from the Spirit of God. Jesus describes this kind of love using the imagery of being disrespected or disgraced—taking the act of love well beyond the accepted social norms. 

This is how we are the greatest witnesses, not by loving people who are lovable, but by loving people the world sees as unlovable, giving to those who cannot give back, taking insults, and not fighting back. This is what it means to be true witnesses. This is what will show the world that Jesus lives within us. This is what shows the world that we are different, that we mean business. We love everyone. We love them just because they are valuable, being bearers of God’s image.