If there’s one thing I love reading in the bible, it’s those passages that make you stop and think about your existing approach to things in life. And one of the best examples of this in the bible has to be the beatitudes in Matthew 5, 6 and 7. For the uninitiated, the beatitudes are a section of the book of Matthew in the Bible where Jesus goes on a long-winded speech on various topics. What makes this passage so special is that he is able to set a new standard for life that is perhaps harder to follow to a people that seem like they already have the strictest laws. And somehow, he is able to express these ideas without the legalism of “rules” per se.
And right at the end of Matthew 5, you’ll find what I think is one of the best verses in the whole chapter. Remember, he is addressing a group of people that are currently under roman colonization and had lost independence. They were being taxed heavily too just like other colonies under Roman rule and these tax collectors were often picked out from the natives of the colonized country itself. This meant that they drew the ire of their fellow countrymen and were seen as the worst traitors aiding the oppressing state. And while all this is going on, the spirit of nationalism was at a high, people wanted out from Roman rule and many in the country took pride in their national identity which was believed to be sacred and holy before their god. It was to these people that Jesus had the following to say:
“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.
What’s beautiful here is how he manages to make these people that though they had it all pat down to re-evaluate their own standards. Do you love those who love you back? Are you friends to your friends? Do you return favors but never do them? Well guess what, that’s what everybody does. You are not special. It’s this standard raising ability that’s quite refreshing and for which reason this will remain one of my favorite passages.
