REVENGE AND ENEMIES

CONTEXT:

For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. MATTHEW 5:20

MATTHEW 5:38-48

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.

43 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor 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.

1  

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. (v. 40)

KEY:

2 

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ (v. 43)

KEY:

FINAL THOUGHTS:

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

• Bailey, Kenneth E. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels. IVP Academic. Downers Grove, IL. 2008.

• Keller, Timothy. Why Do We Need the Bible? (Sermon on the Mount Series). 1990.

• McKnight, Scot. Sermon on the Mount (The Story of God Bible Commentary). Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI. 2013.

• Stott, John. The Message of the Sermon on the Mount (The Bible Speaks Today Series – Matthew 5-7: Christian Counter-Culture). IVP Academic. Downers Grove, IL. 1985.

• Willard, Dallas. The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God. Harper Collins. New York, NY. 1998.