We are examining the Sermon on the Mount, divided into 23 sections.
The next point addresses loving one's enemies. Matthew uses his usual wording: ‘It is written, but I tell you.’ Luke also addresses this subject.
This therefore concerns our relationships with others, and Jesus the Messiah's instructions are the opposite of what Jewish religious teachers taught at the time. Matthew 5.43 mentions hating one's enemy, but this is not found in the law of Moses (Leviticus 19.18); it is merely an interpretation by the of the time.
This message is addressed to Jews, who must also love Gentiles, although this is not written in the law of Moses, because God loves them. Matthew 5.45 specifies that the disciple must strive to apply these precepts, since acting this way will bring actual acceptance as a child of God.
This passage shows the full difference between a true disciple's behaviour and that of the religious men. Nevertheless, the goal seems difficult, if not impossible, to attain. God's help alone can enable someone to reach this demanding standard.
Matthew 7.1-12 addresses this theme again and repeats the same wording as Luke 6.31: ‘Whatever you would want people to do for you, do likewise for them, for this is what the law and the prophets teach.’ Jesus the Messiah shows the goal to pursue and highlights human wickedness, which naturally does the opposite of these precepts.
Luke emphasises this more than Matthew, but the reasoning remains similar. Matthew 7.1-12 returns to this theme of the disciple's behaviour and develops it.
After addressing murder, covetousness, hatred, deceit and vengeance, Matthew concludes: ‘Therefore be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ Luke repeats the same thought. God does not lower his standards to please people; instead, he reveals them and sets them before the disciple as a goal.