Gospel Passages That Touch on Political Issues VI

Today I'll look at Luke 6:27-38, called the “political manifesto” of Jesus by one author. This is an abbreviated form of the Sermon on the Mount. The statements Jesus makes exhort other-centeredness, the same orientation we found yesterday. They concern how we treat enemies--with sacrifice and grace, with no thought of reward. How are the statements it contains political? To the extent that interpersonal relationships are political these might hold up as political exhortations, or even within like-minded communities. Do these words apply solely to individuals, or are larger groups or societies in mind? It is hard to see how human organizations on the level of states could adhere to these guidelines. But then I don't believe Jesus preached to nations as much as he preached to the nations.