Many of the talks of the Lord Jesus were to the people out of doors; such multitudes came from all parts of the country that there would not have been room in a building. Many came to be cured, and “He healed them all” but He taught them also, and we read His words now.
The people then did not know they listened to the One Who had created the earth and all things; how wonderful to hear Him away from the disturbances of the towns! We can see what wisdom there was in all He said, and how well He knew the lives of the people and their thoughts, just as He knows ours also.
Some of His words seem meant for the disciples who believed Him, yet all should believe, and they heard His plain words. He explained that if they were poor, hungry, weeping, and hated by men for the sake of the Son of Man, they would most surely be blessed.
The Lord’s “New Way”
The law told that one who hurt another should be equally punished by him, but here Jesus gave “new ways” as He had before told there would be.
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
This is not the natural way of man, but it is the way for those who follow the Lord Jesus, and the way of the kingdom or rule of God, “He is kind unto the unthankful and ... . evil.” “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
All this showed that there would be wrongs and evils to suffer, but that the Lord would be a just judge, who would see all, and reward. He is the one who gives “good measure” of blessing for all done for Him; He told the people “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over shall men give into your bosom” (Luke 6:38).
The law said they were to have just standards of weights and measure; Then each man in his work or business was to use such exact and just measure, not to carry with him smaller measures, for profit to himself. Those who follow the Lord, would do even better than the “just” measure, they would “give,” which means something not expected to be paid for. Men might never return the gift, or good measure, but the Lord will and His return will be “running over.” Even in this world His blessings of added peace joyfully repay all done for Him.
Read of the just weights (Leviticus 19:35-36; Deuteronomy 25:13-15).
So the words of the Lord Jesus are higher and fuller than the law of Moses: they show He may be honored in the everyday life of those who want to follow Him. He did not promise lives free from trials, but that the reward of God would be sure. Many boys and girls must have been in the great company listening to the Lord, and understood His teaching, which is true for us today.
Further Meditation
1. What is meant by a just standard of weights and measures?
2. Should a Christian only worry about being fair when they do business with others? How does the thought of “giving” enter into our interactions with others?
3. A more challenging pamphlet on the topic of giving can be found in Christian Giving: Its Character and Objects by A. P. Cecil and others. You might find it helpful in studying this under-appreciated topic.