Matthew 5:20–26, 38–48

Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

Striving for Godliness
Matthew 5:20–26, 38–48
Recent statistics reveal an alarming problem among American evangelical Christians. Rather than living according to a higher standard of behavior, Christians are reflecting a lower standard of morality than the world around them. According to a recent article in World Magazine, evangelical teenagers are “just as sexually active” as non-Christians. Are we so desensitized that these facts do not bother us? How do we live righteously without becoming self-righteous?

Standard to Exceed (20)
Jesus accentuates the fact that Pharisaic righteousness is insufficient for entry into the kingdom of heaven. The Pharisees, with their 613 statutes derived from the Law of Moses, are known for their righteous lives. Why then does Jesus call His disciples to a righteousness greater than the Pharisees? These men are characterized in the Gospels as a self-righteous group. In the verses that follow, Jesus explains that each believer is accountable to God for his or her actions, his or her words and the thoughts he or she entertains. Jesus calls His followers to live in a way that they are incapable of doing alone.

Behavior Toward Family and Friends (21–26)
One of the practices of the Jewish rabbis was to discuss the changing applications of the unchanging Torah. The oral law was, for a time, the tradition of successive rabbinic commentary and discussions regarding these applications. Repeated references to the Law by Jesus throughout this chapter undoubtedly address this rabbinic practice: “You have heard that it was said …” All the loopholes are filled by Jesus regarding the commandment not to murder. Not only is the action itself condemned but also words and attitudes of like manner are prohibited.

Behavior Toward Difficult People (38–42)
“Lex talionis” (law of just punishment) is the technical term for the “eye for an eye” commandment. As given in the Law, its purpose was for justice, not for vengeance (Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21). Through the course of time and its usage in other Middle Eastern cultures, “eye for an eye” came to be used as a justification for revenge. Jesus teaches that as an individual, I am not to take offence when someone wrongs me. In fact, I am to go out of my way to show that my Master has taught me a different law.

Behavior Toward Enemies (43–47)
Another misrepresentation of the Law, which Jesus corrects, relates to behavior and attitude toward enemies. Leviticus 19:18 certainly teaches to love one’s neighbor, but there is no instruction to hate one’s enemy. Further on in the same chapter, Moses instructs the Israelites to love the stranger as themselves (Lev. 19:34). Jesus teaches the disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. We are called to live differently. When Jesus asks about the behavior of tax collectors and Gentiles, He is actually asking why His followers are not living differently. Will you only love those who love you? You are just like a tax collector. Will you only speak kindly to those who speak kindly to you? You are just like a pagan.

Standard to Seek (48)
Perfection? Is Jesus calling us to sinless perfection? Why would He call us to something we cannot possibly achieve? Some believe that this is precisely to what Jesus calls believers and that perfection is attainable. Others disagree, saying that the meaning of the original word should be translated as “mature” or “complete.” This second position is accurate but there is more to this than either position acknowledges. Jesus is calling His followers to reflect the character of God, just as Moses had recorded God’s message to Israel: “Be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44, 45). A faith relationship with God is borne out in daily living. The condition of holiness to which we are called is more than acting a part or playing a role. The Pharisees are not the standard to follow; God is. As the full moon reflects the light of the sun, so we are called to reflect the light of God in Christ.