Slices
Prepare
Are you perfect? Ask God to help you aim to live by his standards.
Bible passage
Eye for eye
38 ‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for enemies
43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Explore
What? That’s ridiculous! You can imagine a ripple of laughter going through the crowds as they listened to Jesus’ words. Give more to those who take from you (vs 39–41)? Do more than you’re being asked to do? But Jesus wasn’t joking. In God’s upside-down kingdom, there were many surprises.
Living under Roman rule, Jesus’ listeners would have been well-used to the ‘evil’ person taking more than was their right. Jesus’ words surprised as he told them to give freely. This giving wasn’t weakness; it takes strength and commitment to be this generous. Hating your oppressors seemed to be the message from the religious teachers (v 43). Radically, Jesus turned this idea upside-down. We are to love our enemies and pray for them (v 44). This is what will demonstrate that we are God’s children (v 45).
This is what God is like. He loves people whoever they are. God gives his blessings to all (v 45). If we only care for those who care for us, we’re no better than ‘pagans’. Our goal is to be like our heavenly Father. Of course, none of us can be ‘perfect’ as God is. The sense here is more about showing kindness to all, without exception, as God does.* That’s a high bar to reach for and we certainly can’t get there without God’s help.
*RVG Tasker, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: Matthew, IVP, 1961, p70
Respond
Ask God to help you love others you meet today – and pray for those who are making life difficult for you.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 32,33; Matthew 12
Pray for Scripture Union
Over recent months, we’ve been blessed to have new people join the SU staff team. Give thanks to God for all those recent starters, and ask him to lead and guide them in their new roles.