THE MOUNTAIN AND THE PLAINS

Christ is said to have preached sometimes on the mountains and sometimes on the plains. The two places represent the spiritual state of His listeners. On the mountain tops, He is said to have preached to those who were spiritually mature; while in the plains He preached to those who were immature. 

Thus, on the mountain, Christ would talk about blessedness, while on the plains He would include threats. This is because beginners in the spiritual life need threats that they may develop fear, which is the beginning of wisdom; while the spiritually mature are motivated by love, thus not needing any threats. 

(updated 08-23-02)