On a level place

[Jesus] 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, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. ~ Luke 6:17-18

Matthew's version of the Beatitudes tends to be the one we have in mind when we hear the words. If you're like me, you can imagine Jesus standing on his mountaintop (or hill) and teaching his disciples and the crowds.

But in Luke, Jesus stands on a level place - or a plain as it's sometimes described.

You could say that these images stand for the two ways we see Jesus. First, as Lord - first in the Kingdom. Our master. Our leader.

And second, as our brother. Our friend. Our peer. A guide.

Jesus is, of course, all of those things and more. Yet we humans have a tendency to view him one way or the other - and often take those images to the extreme.

Some - especially noticeable lately - use Jesus' lordship as a mascot for strength, might, and power. That Jesus carries a gun and is all for military might.

Others reduce Jesus to a teacher who did good things and is simply someone to show us how to live.

Fortunately, in the Beatitudes of both Matthew and Luke, once we dig into them we see the real Jesus - what he lifts up, what he stands for, and how to follow him.

Whether you view Jesus on a hill or on a level place, he is present. He is there. He is both Lord and friend, Master and brother' leader and peer.

Savior and beloved.

Jesus, friend, savior, Lord, brother, and most beloved, you are all of this and more. Help me to see the fullness of you instead of my own limited view. Amen