Knowing The Word in Luke 6:17-19

Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain

6:17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

Comments

Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain,” which continues through the end of chapter 6, is similar to Jesus’ longer teaching in Matthew 5-7 that is called “the Sermon on the Mount.” In Matthew, Jesus taught on a mountain. Here Jesus stood on a level place, hence the title the “Sermon on the Plain.” Jesus’ popularity had reached an all-time high. People came from everywhere because they heard of him and his teaching and healing abilities. Verse 19 almost sounds like a throw away line, but it is very significant. Power was coming out of Jesus to heal everyone. Jesus healed physical, spiritual, and likely mental illnesses, changing the lives of all who gathered around him. No other religious leader has ever had this amazing healing power—only Jesus.

Application

Many of us, when we need to, can pick up the phone and make a doctor’s appointment or call 911 in an emergency. The people in the time of Jesus had no such luxury. His appearance was a radical change in their lives as they saw and experienced miracles. Have you seen a miracle in your life that you attribute to God? Consider making a list of them and then thanking God in prayer.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you that you are powerful in word and deed. You change people’s lives. I lift up these people in prayer who need your healing touch today: __________________________________________.