43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor 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)
Yesterday we saw how Jesus upholds the high standards of the Bible. Today we will consider what we are supposed to do with these high standards. As a reminder, our theme for the 40 Days of Discipline this year is: Be like Jesus. For our Bible study week we are focusing on the mind of Jesus as we explore His thoughts about the Bible. During the time of Jesus the Old Testament was the Bible. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount provides excellent insights into what He thought about the Bible and also what He thought about how some people interpreted the Bible.
Today’s passage is from Matthew 5 verses 43 – 48 (please see above). Please prayerfully read and reflect on the passage and answer the questions below.
Today’s Questions:
- Based on the passage, what is the standard of behaviour expected of us?
- How is it possible for us to do this?