Luke 6:17-49.  The key to understanding Jesus’ sermon on the level place is the flood imagery of verse 48. Jesus uses the flood imagery because of how God had used a flood to destroy the earth during the days of Noah. God will once again bring judgment upon the whole planet, only the next time it will be with fire, not water (2 Pet. 3:7).  Jesus contrasts the rich , full, laughing, well-spoken of unbelievers with the poor, hungry, weeping believers. Notice the phrase “on account of the Son of Man” (22). Jesus is talking about believers who are committed to him in spite of the ridicule they get from the others. He encourages them to love their enemies (the unbelievers) because their heavenly father loves them (27-36).  He encourages his followers to prove their faith by their fruit (43-45). That fruit is obedience to Christ’s commands (46-47).

LORD, we commit ourselves to bearing fruit so that others might see it, and escape the coming flood of your wrath.