Bible Reading: Matthew 5:43-48 KJV
- Matthew 5:44 KJV
What if Jesus (and the Bible for that matter) really meant what was said. Our first knee jerk response to this statement is, 'Well of coarse, Jesus and the Bible means exactly what was said.' And that is true until what is said is a hard statement that goes against what we firmly believe.
When someone wants to tell you how spiritual they are, ask them to read Matthew 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount) and assume Jesus really meant every word that he said. How spiritual do you think you are now? They likely will never get back with you, or they will start playing Scriptural Gymnastics where they attempt to redefine the simple words of Jesus by filtering His words through Paul, Peter or somewhere else in the Bible. 'This verse says this and that verse says that, so Jesus couldn't possibly really mean what He said there, instead He means... [insert here some watered down doctrine that they can live with]'.
When someone wants to tell you how spiritual they are, ask them to read Matthew 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount) and assume Jesus really meant every word that he said. How spiritual do you think you are now? They likely will never get back with you, or they will start playing Scriptural Gymnastics where they attempt to redefine the simple words of Jesus by filtering His words through Paul, Peter or somewhere else in the Bible. 'This verse says this and that verse says that, so Jesus couldn't possibly really mean what He said there, instead He means... [insert here some watered down doctrine that they can live with]'.
Let us consider our text verse above. If four theologians looked at a simple passage like Matthew 5:44 where Jesus says, "Love your enemies" four theologians would come up with four interpretations. It is easy if your enemy is occasionally teasing you, it becomes more difficult if they are trying to get you fired at work by lying about you, or even more difficult if they broke into your house fully armed with the intent to harm you. So, is it okay to shoot the last enemy while praying for the first one?
To understand what Jesus (or the Bible) means, you must understand the original interpretation of the message. To do so, you would start at the original source then hear the testimony of each successive person onward. In our example, you would start with Jesus. How did He interpret His command based on His actions? Then since no student is above his master, you would look at the writings of Jesus' apostles and disciples. Finally, you would look at the early Church writings (up to 313 C.E.) and see if they taught the same things Jesus did.
Throughout his life, Jesus had the power to stop His enemies from harming Him, but He chose not to all the way to the cross where he said in Luke 23:34, "...Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..." Jesus followed His own commandment.
Paul under the inspiration of God wrote in Romans 12:17, 19, 21, "[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. ... [19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. ... [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Paul believed what Jesus wrote.
Finally, the testimony from the early Church:
"We pray for our enemies and try to win those who hate us unjustly so they may live in accordance with Christ's wonderful teachings..." - Justin Martyr, 160 CE)
"He [Jesus] commanded not only not to injure their neighbors, nor do them any evil, but also, when they are dealt with wickedly, to be long-suffering." - Irenaeus, 180 CE
"Do not willingly use force and do not return force when it is used against you." - Commodianus, 240 CE
"Christians do not attack their assailants in return, for it is not lawful for the innocent to kill even the guilty." - Cyprian, 250 CE
These Christians took Jesus' words simply and seriously. Jesus knew if He put His needs above ours and refused to die, we would not be saved. The early Christians recognized this simple example Christ provided for us. They understood that when we put the needs of our enemies above ourselves, the power of the gospel is unleashed. They can't help but see Jesus. And Jesus promised us that when He is lifted up, He will draw all people to Himself (John 12:32).
Sources:
- Portions of the above is from Phil Baker's excellent book New Wineskins and the Simple Words of Christ
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