Big Idea: We should treat other people as God treats us, looking not to our own advantage or satisfaction, but to what is good for them.

Understanding the Text

This is the middle section of the sermon that began at 6:20. Its first section set out the choice between two ways of life and commended that of discipleship. This section now explores some of the ethical implications of discipleship, with special reference to how we should treat other people and to the effect that this may have on our own relationship with God. The sermon will then conclude in 6:39–49 with a series of parables about the demands and the outcome of discipleship. This whole complex of teaching adds to our growing awareness of the unique authority of Jesus, who can make such radical demands on the allegiance of those…