Matthew 5:43-48 A Most Difficult Love Affair
Introduction: This text closes the series of lessons on
the Law of Moses. It begins with that familiar
expression, “Ye have heard that it hath been said… “
I. The portion of the Law which Jesus
discussed. Verse 43
A. The Law had
instructed that one is to love his neighbor as he does himself, Leviticus
19:18.
(As much as he loves
himself).
B. However the Law
never instructed one to hate his enemies.
(Nowhere in the Old Testament).
1.
This instruction was in the writing of the Pharisees.
2.
Actually they said “…to love everyone whom God has elected and to hate
everyone whom
God has rejected.” (Qumran)
3. By
this they meant love all Jews and hate all Gentiles.
C. Perhaps the
Pharisees had misunderstood God’s command to kill all of the Canaanites and all
of the
Ammonites. (They did not understand that God hates the
sinful deeds of people, but God loves
the people).
II. What Jesus had to say on the
subject.
A. What Jesus said
was in contrast to what the Jews had heard.
Verse 44 “But
I say unto you …”
1. It
was not in contrast to what Moses had said.
2.
Rather it was in contrast to what the Pharisees had said.
B. Jesus said,
“Love your enemies.” Verse 44 and this was the intent of the Law all the while.
1. The
term “neighbor” in Leviticus 19:18 included both the friendly neighbor and the
hostile
neighbor.
2. God
had intended the Jews to be a blessing to all the families of the earth.
3. God
had sent Jonah to preach to the enemies.
C. Jesus certainly
intended for Christians to love all.
1. It
is easy for us to love our family, our church members and our special friends.
2.
Jesus instructs us to love all, even our enemies. (Verse 44 “bless…do good, pray” etc.).
D. He lists two
reasons why, verse 45.
1.
Because by doing so it is made evident that we are children of God. (Men hear our profession
of faith
by what we say, but they are best convinced when they see us love…especially
when we
love our enemies.
2.
Because God has set an example for us in sending sunshine and rain to
the just and unjust.
E. He raises some
soul searching questions, verses 46-47.
1. The
unsaved will befriend their family, friends, fellow club members, fellow
worker.
2. If
we love only our own, we are no better than them… at least in that respect.
F. He then issues
a challenge. Verse 48.
1. The
child of God is to try to be here on earth like the Father is in heaven.
2. God
loves all; therefore there is not any race, color or creed which we do not
love.
3. The
word “perfect” means “complete, mature, fully grown.” (If there is someone whom we
cannot
love it is because we are not mature and we need to grow up as a Christian).
4. God
love us and sent His son to die for us while we were yet His enemies.
Conclusion: 1. If you are unsaved there is no way
that you are going to start loving all without the new birth.
You need to be saved.
2. If
you are saved and you still have a problem loving certain people, you need a
general
growth and
development in all Christians. (Study,
pray, do, and you will grow.---and
remember
that you are not instructed to love their deeds).
3.
Church membership and church activity is a good place and a good way to
grow up.
4. But
it all starts with a willingness to do God’s will.
5.
Learn to love Christ more and loving others will take care of itself.
Preached at