Is it possible that Jesus called on us to actually LOVE OUR ENEMIES? A lot of scholars and teachers imagine that Jesus meant less than what He is saying in this passage from Matthew 5 and the Sermon on the Mount, but the simple fact is – this is what He modeled for us! Today’s episode looks at Matthew 5:43-48.
What we traditionally refer to as the “Sermon on the Mount” was actually a revolutionary manifesto for a new way of life in the Kingdom of God. In today’s unsettling and polarized age, the teachings of this Kingdom Manifesto are as relevant and vital as ever.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] 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. Matthew 5:43-48
In this multi-part series, JB Shreve and Faithful Considerations takes a deep dive into the Manifesto: Life, Politics, and Reality in the Kingdom of God.
Find this complete podcast series of the Sermon on the Mount here.
