Interpreting the Sermon on the Plain Web Page
Read Luke Chapter 6 in a standard translation of the Bible as noted in the syllabus. Then focus on a short passage of approximately 2–4 verses somewhere in Luke 6:17–49 and read it several times.
Read Chapters 2 and 19 in Jesus is Lord. Chapter 2 provides an overview of the issues we face in interpreting and applying scripture. Even if you are not a Christian, you can learn from the model of starting with the original meaning of scripture and then moving to what wisdom the Bible has to offer in our contemporary context
You can use the You Version app or Bible Study Tools (biblestudytools.com) to help you study any aspects of the passage. (See Activity 1.1 for a reminder on how to use these.)
Write a 400- to 500-word essay that explains and applies a short passage from Chapter 6 of Luke’s Gospel:
Start with a brief introductory paragraph that identifies the passage you chose for step #1 and explain why you selected it.
Study the passage closely and see how it fits into that chapter of scripture. Write approximately 200 words that explain the meaning that your selected verses had for the original author and audience. You should describe the contents of the passage and any points that clarify what it would have meant in its original setting. In the course of your explanation, you must make at least one citation from the textbook -Jesus is Lord.
Then, apply the passage to a contemporary personal or social situation. Write approximately 200 words that make clear links between the original meaning of the passage and the contemporary issue. You may apply the passage to your own spiritual life, family, or job. You can also apply it to larger cultural and societal issues. To complete the application, state clearly what action or stance you would take on your chosen situation or issue based on the contents of the biblical passage.
