*Matthew 5:31-48
Jesus teaches a higher standard of righteousness than the law of Moses, focusing on divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies.
- Divorce and Adultery:
- Jesus addresses the issue of divorce, stating that anyone who divorces his wife, except in cases of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.
- This teaching emphasizes the sacredness of marriage and the seriousness of vows made between spouses.
- Oaths:
- Jesus advises against making oaths, swearing by heaven, earth, or Jerusalem, as these are all under God’s authority.
- Instead, followers are encouraged to let their yes be yes and their no be no, emphasizing honesty and integrity in communication.
- Retaliation:
- Jesus contrasts the old law of “an eye for an eye” with a new principle of non-retaliation.
- Followers are instructed to turn the other cheek when someone slaps them, give their cloak to someone who sues them for their tunic, and go the extra mile when compelled to go one mile.
- These teachings demonstrate the principles of forgiveness, humility, and selflessness.
- Love for Enemies:
- Jesus challenges his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.
- This radical love mirrors the perfect love of God, who causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
- By loving their enemies, followers demonstrate their identity as children of God, who is perfect in love and mercy.
Matthew 5:31-48 teaches us to love others in a way that goes beyond what is expected. Jesus tells us to be faithful in our commitments, speak honestly, and treat even our enemies with kindness. Instead of seeking revenge, He calls us to forgive and show love, just as God does for us. This reminds us that true strength is found in love, patience, and doing good even when it’s hard. When we live this way, we reflect God’s love and bring peace to those around us.
Matthew 5:31-48 (WEB)
5:31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’ 32 but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery.33 “Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,’ 34 but I tell you, don’t swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; 35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can’t make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. 41 Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.