*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.
5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: 5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.