Day 12 - Matthew 5:33-48

33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40 If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41 If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42 Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.47 If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Terrie's Comments:

This carries on from yesterday.  I believe that Jesus was taking them to a place where no matter how good they thought they were, it would never be good enough... no one of us is as perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.  

It is great to aim to love everyone... this is only a reachable goal for someone who is being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ and is being empowered to do so by the Holy Spirit.  If we are loving out of obligation or just to follow the rules then are our actions truly love or just out of obligation?  True love comes only from God.  The only way to act the way God acts is to be transformed into His image.  The love this world has to offer is not a selfless love.

Tori's Comments:

I think this calls out those who were favouring the legalistic rules... rather than seeking to follow the law with their hearts, they did the bare minimum out of obligation. Jesus is showing that He is calling people to follow Him out of devotion, and that will show through each of their actions (although we are still covered by His grace and righteousness, and now have the Holy Spirit as a teacher and helper!).

Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!