Be Perfect Matthew 5:48

Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples if their “righteousness” did not “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees” they would, “in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus then shared about “murder, adultery, swearing turning the other cheek and giving and lending to those who ask”, and He told His disciples, “You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. 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; That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Jesus continued, “For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? do not even the publicans the same? And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? do not even the publicans so”, and in chapter five and verse forty-eight of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples, “be you therefore perfect” where we read:

Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

The verse reads, “Be you therefore perfect, ...” Matthew began with the words, “be you therefore” which means “then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so were the disciples to exist and lives as” “perfect” which means “brought to its end, finished, full grown and mature”. Jesus said to live “perfectly”.

The verse continues, “... even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew added the words, “even as” which means “in the same way and manner like” “your father” or “the disciples' progenitor and ” “which is in heaven” which means “who is in the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings” “is perfect” or “exist as One brought to His end, finished, full grown and mature”. As though all the other requirements set out by Jesus to be righteous within their “heart” were not sufficient, Jesus told His disciples there were to be “perfect” like God .

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we should find ourselves and every other person disqualified from the “Kingdom of Heaven”. This is exactly what Jesus had in mind. No one, on their own merit, is qualified to go to “heaven” other than Jesus Christ, and because Jesus live this “perfect” life, died for the sins of the world and was raised from the grave on the third day, now all people need to do is “believe and trust” in Him. Those who are wise will realize they are not “perfect”, and only Jesus is able to make them as “righteous” before God the Heavenly Father.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Jesus tell His disciples, “Take heed that you do not your alms before men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

If You Salute Your Brothers Only Matthew 5:47

Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples if their “righteousness” did not “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees” they would, “in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus then shared about “murder, adultery, swearing turning the other cheek and giving and lending to those who ask”, and He told His disciples, “You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. 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; That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Jesus continued, “For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? do not even the publicans the same?”, and in chapter five and verse forty-seven of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus asked His disciples, “if you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others” where we read:

And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? do not even the publicans so?

The verse reads, “And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others?” Matthew began with the words, “and if you salute” which means “and whether you greet, bid welcome and wish well” “your brethren only” which means “the disciples' fellow believers who are united to another by the bond of affection” “what do you more” or “what greater thing or way are the disciples making ready, preparing and producing” “than others” which refers to “than other people carry out and execute”. Jesus employed a second example of “loving” others as he used “greeting” one another like everyone else does to someone they know.

The verse goes on to say, “do not even the publicans so?” Matthew continues with the words, “do not even” which means “” “the publicans“ or “the tax gatherers, collectors of taxes or tolls and ones who is employed by a tax collector or farmer general in the collection of taxes” “so” which means “in this manner and thus”. Jesus questioned His disciples whether they knew that “tax collectors” also “love” those who “love” them.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how people who know and care for one another naturally greet and wish each other well. Some of the most wicked people in the world have others whom they “salute”, so if the disciples and we “greet” others who “greet” us, how are we any different? Jesus' directive was to “care” for and “respect” people who are different than they, and when a relationship with God is established through Jesus Christ His Son, they become able to “salute” others who are different than them.

Next time Jesus tells the disciples, “be you therefore perfect”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

If You Love Them Which Love You Matthew 5:46

Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples if their “righteousness” did not “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees” they would, “in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus then shared about “murder, adultery, swearing turning the other cheek and giving and lending to those who ask”, and He told His disciples, “You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. 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; That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”, and in chapter five and verse forty-six of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus asked His disciples, “if you love them which love you, what reward have you?” where we read:

For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? do not even the publicans the same?

The verse reads, “For if you love them which love you, what reward have you?” Matthew began with the word, “for” which means “because, since and on account that” “if you love them” which means “whether the disciples welcome, entertain, be fond of and love dearly in an unconditional manner” “which love you” or “people who welcome, entertain, be fond of and love dearly in an unconditional manner the disciples”, “what reward have you” which means “what kind of wages, dues or fruit naturally resulting from toils and endeavors do the disciples have”? Jesus challenged His disciples with the question concerning the “wages and fruit” of loving people who love them.

The verse goes on to say, “do not even the publicans the same?” Matthew continues with the words, “do not even” which means “produce, make ready, cause even, indeed, and also as” “the publicans“ or “the tax gatherer, collector of taxes or tolls and one who is employed by a tax collector or farmer general in the collection of taxes” “the same” which refers to “loving those who love them”. Jesus questioned His disciples as to whether they knew “tax collectors” also love people who love them.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see Jesus' challenge to His disciples concerning who they “love”. Jesus' idea was that it is nothing unusual for anyone to “love” someone who “loves” them because even some of the most “hated” people, the tax collectors of Jesus' day, “love” those who “love” them. There is no “reward, wage or fruit” for people who “love” those who “love” them, however, to “love” someone who does not “love” them is a difficult position. God “loves” everyone, and whether they “love” Him or not, friend or foe, God desires that all people be “saved” through a relationship with His Son, and He becomes our example.

Next time Jesus tells the disciples what happens, “if you salute your brethren only”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Sun Shines on Evil and Good Matthew 5:45

Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples if their “righteousness” did not “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees” they would, “in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus then shared about “murder, adultery and swearing”, and He told His disciples, “Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no: for whatsoever is more than these comes of evil.” Jesus went on to say, “You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, That you resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away. You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. 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”, and in chapter five and verse forty-five of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples how the, “sun shines on the evil and on the good” where we read:

That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

The verse reads, “That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:” Matthew began with the words, “that you may be” which means “so the disciples might be” “the children” which means “the offspring and progeny” “of your Father” or “belonging to the generator and ancestor” “which is in heaven” which means “who dwells, resides and inhabits the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings”. Jesus declared people as “God's children” who would “love their enemies, bless them that curse” and “do good to them that hate”, “and pray for them which despitefully use” “and persecute” them.

The verse goes on to say, “ for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew continues with the word, “for” which means “because, since and on account that” “he makes his sun“ or “God causes and springs up the sun in the sky” “to rise” which means “to arise and ascend” “on the evil” or “upon those who are full of labors, annoyances, hardships, bad and wicked” “and on the good” which means “and upon those who are of good constitution or nature, useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, upright and honorable”, “and sends rain” which means “causes moisture, wet, showers and washings” “on the just” or “on the people who are righteous, observing divine laws, virtuous and keeping the commands of God” “and the unjust” which refers to “and the people who are not righteous, observing divine laws, virtuous and keeping the commands of God”. Jesus told His disciples that God makes the “sun shine” and the “rain fall” upon people who do “righteous deeds” and those who do not.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we immediately recognize the “amazing grace” of God Almighty. Though people perform “good or evil”, He is faithful to make the “sun shine” and the “rain fall” upon them. This demonstrates His willingness to “save” every person who will yield their lives to Him as “Savior and Lord”, and every time the sun comes up and the rain falls down people who are both “good and evil” should acknowledge the merciful all-loving God who came to “save” them.

Next time Jesus tells the disciples what happens, “if you love them which love you”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Love Your Enemies Matthew 5:44

Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples if their “righteousness” did not “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees” they would, “in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus then shared about “murder, adultery and swearing”, and He told His disciples, “Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no: for whatsoever is more than these comes of evil.” Jesus went on to say, “You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, That you resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away. You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy”, and in chapter five and verse forty-four of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples to “love your enemies, and bless them that curse you” where we read:

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;

The verse reads, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, ...” Matthew began with the word, “but” which means “moreover and” “I say” which means “Jesus uttered, declared and proclaimed” “unto you” or “to the disciples”, “Love” which means “welcome, entertain, be fond of and love dearly in an unconditional manner” “your enemies” which refers to “people who are odious, hateful, hostile and opposing to the disciples”, “bless them” or “praise, celebrate with praises and consecrate with solemn prayers” “that curse you” which means “doom and imprecate evil upon the disciples”, “do good” or “practice beautiful, fine, excellent, well, noble, commendable and comfortable right things” “to them” which refers to “to the people” “that hate you” which means “who are odious, hateful, hostile and opposing to the disciples”. Jesus told His disciples to “love, bless and do good” to people who are considered their enemies.

The verse goes on to say, “... and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew added the words, “and pray” which means “offer prayers” “for them“ or “on behalf of the people” “which despitefully use you” which means “who insult, treat abusively, accuse falsely, threaten, revile and use despitefully”, “and persecute you” or “and make the disciples run, flee, be put to flight, drive away and run swiftly”. Jesus instructed His disciples to “pray” for people who “insult, treat abusively, accuse falsely, revile and use them despitefully”.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see Jesus' solution to encountering “enemies”. Jesus said to “love, bless, do good and pray” for people who treat them wrong. This must have stunned the disciples because this was counterintuitive to their normal way of living. Only God who desires a relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus can enable a person to follow this directive, and those who are wise shall not only think through what Jesus said, but also ask Him to help them have the heart and mind to live this way.

Next time Jesus calls the disciples, “the children of your father which is in heaven”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Love Neighbors Hate Enemies? Matthew 5:43

Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples if their “righteousness” did not “exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees” they would, “in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus then shared about “murder, adultery and swearing”, and He told His disciples, “Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no: for whatsoever is more than these comes of evil.” Jesus went on to say, “You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, That you resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away”, and in chapter five and verse forty-three of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus referred His disciples to how they heard, “love your neighbor, and hate your enemy” where we read:

You have heard that it has been said,

You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.

The verse reads, “You have heard that it has been said, ...” Matthew began with the words, “you have heard” which means “the disciples were endowed with the faculty of hearing, attended to, considered and perceived ” “that is has been said” which means “there was declaration, utterance and proclamation”. Jesus referred to another law His disciples “heard” in the past.

The verse continues, “... You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.” Matthew added the words, “you shall love” which means “the disciples were to welcome, entertain, be fond of, and love dearly” “your neighbor“ or “the disciple's other fellow man irrespective of nation and religion with whom we live or whom we chance to meet” “and hate” which means “and pursue with hatred and detest” “your enemy” or “the disciple's those who are odious, hateful, hostile and opposing”. Jesus referred to the teaching that people were to “love their neighbors” and “hate their enemies”.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus again referred to a teaching that was prevalent in the day of the disciples. It was a natural thing to hate people that were “enemies” and love people who were not. Jesus challenged His disciples in many areas of previous teachings, and there is no doubt He did the same with this one. God desires a relationship with people who are actually His “enemies” before they receive His Son Jesus Christ as their “Savior and Lord”, and those who are wise shall pay particular attention to what Jesus declares about “loving neighbors and hating enemies”.

Next time Jesus gives His disciples a new command concerning, “loving your neighbor” and “hating your enemy”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.