READ
Matthew 5:38-48
CONSIDER
The Sermon on the Mount is constantly challenging us to deepen our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. In Matthew 5, six times Jesus says, “you have heard that it was said … but I tell you.” He is calling us not to skirt the law so it is easier to walk in the way of Jesus but He raises the bar, inviting us to bless those who curse us by loving and praying for them.
Leviticus 19:18 is a call to not to seek revenge or hold a grudge but love your neighbor as yourself. People figured that if they could narrow the definition of neighbor to those who they liked, they could fulfill the Law. Jesus sees their attempt at Scriptural manipulation and raises the definition of neighbor, calling the Jews to love Samaritans (Luke 10) and for us to love and pray for those who persecute us.
For our Community Groups, make sure you find time this year to go through this sermon series together as a group as this will allow us as a church to be formed together in the way of Jesus.
See you Sunday.
Pastor Tim Sreedharan
PRAY
Father, it is so easy to love those who love us and vilify those who disagree with us. It is easy for us to see others as the enemy and dismiss them as we dehumanize them. As your word calls us, may we love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Through the gospel, help us see that our enemy is someone in desperate need of Jesus, just like us. May we be peacemakers, who go and share the Good News with those who oppose us, inviting them to also become children of God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.