Saturday May 29, 2021

Woe Unto You - Jesus: Blessings and Curses

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship delves into Jesus' Sermon on the Plain as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, contrasting it with the more familiar Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. The speaker, likely Matthew Vander Els, highlights the unique perspective Luke offers on the blessings and warnings given by Jesus. The core message revolves around understanding these pronouncements within the framework of God's covenant and how our earthly pursuits can either align with or deviate from this covenantal relationship.

Luke's Sermon on the Plain: A Different Perspective

The teaching emphasizes that while Matthew's account often spiritualizes the blessings, Luke presents them in a more direct, tangible way. For instance, where Matthew speaks of the "poor in spirit," Luke simply states "Blessed are the poor." Similarly, Luke mentions "Blessed are you who hunger now" and "Blessed are you who weep now," whereas Matthew adds qualifiers like "hunger and thirst for righteousness." This difference, it's suggested, reflects Luke's intention as a gospel writer, painting a distinct portrait of Jesus.

A key distinction in Luke's account is the inclusion of "woes" following the blessings. These woes are presented as antithetical warnings, addressing those who are rich, well-fed, laughing, and well-spoken of. The speaker clarifies that these woes are not simply condemnations of having these things, but rather warnings about the potential dangers they pose to one's covenantal relationship with God.

The Old Testament Context of "Woe"

To understand the significance of these woes, the teaching draws upon the Old Testament concept of "woe oracles." These oracles, found in prophetic and wisdom literature, serve as covenantal warnings. They are not necessarily pronouncements of eternal damnation but rather signals and pleas from God for people to turn away from paths that break covenant with Him and with others.

Examples of woe oracles are cited from the Prophet Habakkuk, specifically the "five woes of Habakkuk" in chapter two. These woes address various forms of injustice and idolatry, illustrating the consequences of actions that go against God's covenant. The teaching connects this concept to how God's wrath is often depicted in the Bible – not as arbitrary punishment, but as the natural consequence of choices and the path one chooses to follow. Just as repeatedly eating a Carolina Reaper chili will have a predictable outcome, living contrary to God's covenant will lead to negative consequences.

Jesus as the Greater Moses and the Fulfillment of Torah

The teaching also draws parallels between Jesus' Sermon on the Plain (and the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew) and Moses receiving the Law on Mount Sinai. Jesus is presented as the "greater Moses" who provides a deeper application and fulfillment of the Torah. His teachings, including the blessings and woes, are seen as a guide to living out the heart of the Torah with a kingdom ethic.

The radical nature of Jesus' teachings is emphasized, particularly his interpretation of the "eye for an eye" principle. While this principle in the Torah (Exodus 21:23-25, Leviticus 24:19-20, Deuteronomy 19:16-21) aimed for just retribution, Jesus advocated for non-resistance, turning the other cheek, and loving one's enemies. This is presented as the kingdom response, characterized by mercy and grace rather than revenge. The teaching acknowledges the complexity of applying these principles, especially in discussions surrounding justice and capital punishment, highlighting the importance of considering the full scope of scripture.

The Temptations of the "Blessed" and the Meaning of the "Woes"

The core of the teaching lies in understanding that the woes in Luke are warnings against the dangers of idolatry – of placing our security and identity in earthly possessions and comforts rather than in God. Being wealthy can lead to a lack of generosity and a reliance on money as the source of life. Being well-fed can lead to a lack of hunger for spiritual fulfillment. Excessive laughter and a pursuit of constant pleasure can result in ignoring the suffering in the world and neglecting one's purpose as an image bearer of God. Seeking constant approval from others can lead to compromising truth and justice.

The speaker emphasizes that these things are not inherently wrong but become dangerous when they become the focus of our worship and allegiance, causing us to break covenant with God. Drawing on J.K. Beal's book "We Become What We Worship," the teaching explains that what we worship shapes who we become. If we worship God, we imitate His ways; if we worship other things, we become like those things.

The blessings in Luke, therefore, offer encouragement to those who are experiencing hardship and lack these worldly comforts. In the context of the first century, many listeners were poor, hungry, and persecuted, and Jesus' words offered them hope and assurance of God's favor. For contemporary believers, these blessings serve as a reminder that true blessing and treasure lie in God's kingdom, not in earthly possessions.

Application for Everyday Life

Examine your priorities: Reflect on what you prioritize in your life. Are you more focused on accumulating wealth, seeking pleasure, gaining approval, or on your relationship with God and others?
Cultivate spiritual hunger: Be aware of the tendency to become complacent when comfortable. Actively seek spiritual growth and the coming kingdom of God, even when your physical needs are met.
Use blessings responsibly: Recognize that wealth, comfort, and positive reputation can be blessings, but be mindful of the temptation to idolize them. Use these blessings for kingdom purposes and to help others.
Embrace both justice and mercy: Strive for justice in the world while also extending grace and mercy, even to your enemies. Avoid seeking revenge and instead pray for their transformation.
Be a truth-teller: Stand up for truth and justice, even if it means going against popular opinion. Seek God's approval above the approval of others.
Recognize warnings: View the "woes" not as condemnations, but as warnings to evaluate your life and ensure you are not on a path that leads away from God's covenant.
Live generously: Follow Jesus' example of generosity with your time, resources, and love. Avoid hoarding blessings and instead share them with others.
Maintain kingdom focus: Remember that Jesus' mission was not to establish an earthly kingdom through force, but a spiritual kingdom of people whose lives reflect God's love and truth. Be a part of this "nonviolent, subversive army."

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