A Year in Luke/ActsNäide

Verses 17-49 are often referred to as the “Sermon on the Plain,” and contain similar teachings to Matthew’s more famous Sermon on the Mount. It is unclear whether this is the same sermon or another time where Jesus teaches with similar points. Whatever the case, this is clearly some of the most important teachings for Jesus on the Kingdom.

Notice how the very first words are: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”

After everything we have noted in Luke so far, especially in light of his understanding of “the poor,” this is significant. Having shown through the narrative how Jesus and His Mission is all about those on the outside becoming the ones who will be the first to experience God’s Kingdom, Luke now has Jesus explicitly saying it.