The Sermon on the Plain

Jesus was about halfway through His brief 3 1/2-year ministry and was entering a new phase. The new phase was the training the twelve who would succeed Him in His mission following His death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father's right hand. As Luke notes, Jesus had many disciples (followers) and out of them, He appointed 12 to be Apostles. The text of this message examines their appointment after His all-night prayer meeting with the Father. He then came down from the mountain and began their initial training (vv. 20-26). This message touches on the first part--blessings and woes.