But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. But love your enemies,This command challenges the natural human inclination to retaliate against those who harm us. In the cultural context of Jesus' time, the idea of loving one's enemies was revolutionary. The Old Testament law emphasized justice and retribution (Exodus 21:23-25), but Jesus introduces a higher standard of love. This echoes the teachings in Proverbs 25:21-22, where kindness to an enemy is encouraged. Jesus exemplifies this love on the cross, praying for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). Mat 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray… do good to them, The call to actively do good to enemies goes beyond mere tolerance or passive non-retaliation. It involves taking positive steps to benefit those who oppose us. This reflects the nature of God, who provides for both the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). The early church practiced this principle, as seen in Acts 7:60, where Stephen prays for those stoning him. Act 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit… and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. In the ancient world, lending was often transactional, with the expectation of repayment with interest. Jesus' instruction to lend without expecting repayment challenges the economic norms of the time and reflects a radical generosity. This principle is rooted in the Old Testament, where Israelites were encouraged to lend freely to the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). It underscores the believer's trust in God's provision rather than human reciprocity. Deu 15:7-11 If there is a poor man among your brothers… Then your reward will be great, The promise of a great reward is a recurring theme in Jesus' teachings, emphasizing the eternal perspective believers should maintain. This reward is not necessarily material but spiritual and eternal, aligning with the treasures in heaven mentioned in Matthew 6:19-20. The concept of divine reward is also seen in Hebrews 11:6, where faith is linked to believing that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Mat 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward… and you will be sons of the Most High; Being called "sons of the Most High" signifies a relationship with God characterized by reflecting His nature. In biblical times, being a "son" often implied sharing in the character and mission of the father. This phrase indicates that by loving enemies and doing good, believers demonstrate their identity as God's children, similar to how Jesus, the Son of God, revealed the Father's love (John 14:9). Psa 82:6 I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons… for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. This statement highlights God's grace and mercy, extending kindness even to those who do not acknowledge Him. It reflects the divine attribute of common grace, where God provides for all humanity regardless of their response to Him (Acts 14:17). This kindness is a model for believers, who are called to imitate God's character in their interactions with others, as seen in Ephesians 4:32. Mat 5:45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this teaching, providing guidance on how to live a life that reflects the character of God. 2. Enemies Those who oppose or act against us, whom Jesus instructs us to love and treat with kindness. 3. Sons of the Most High A term used to describe those who emulate God's character, particularly His kindness and mercy. 4. The Most High (God) The ultimate example of kindness and mercy, even to those who are ungrateful and wicked. 5. Disciples The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who seek to follow His example. Teaching Points Love Beyond BoundariesJesus calls us to love not just those who love us but also our enemies. This radical love reflects God's unconditional love for humanity. Generosity Without Expectation Lending without expecting repayment challenges us to trust in God's provision and to reflect His generosity. Reflecting God's Character By being kind to the ungrateful and wicked, we mirror God's kindness and mercy, demonstrating that we are His children. Heavenly Rewards The promise of a great reward encourages believers to focus on eternal values rather than earthly returns. Practical Kindness Acts of kindness and goodness should be a natural outflow of our faith, impacting those around us and drawing them to God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does loving our enemies demonstrate our identity as "sons of the Most High"?2. In what ways can we practice lending without expecting anything in return in our daily lives? 3. How does the concept of loving our enemies challenge our natural inclinations, and how can we overcome these challenges? 4. What are some practical examples of how we can show kindness to those who are ungrateful or wicked? 5. How do the teachings in Luke 6:35 connect with other scriptures that emphasize love and kindness, and how can these connections deepen our understanding of God's character? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 5:44-45Jesus similarly instructs to love enemies and pray for those who persecute, emphasizing being children of the Father in heaven. Romans 12:20-21 Paul echoes the teaching of overcoming evil with good, reinforcing the principle of loving one's enemies. Proverbs 25:21-22 The Old Testament wisdom literature also advises feeding and giving drink to one's enemy, promising a reward from the Lord. Ephesians 4:32 Paul encourages believers to be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other as God forgave us, reflecting God's character. 1 John 4:7-8 Highlights the importance of love as a defining characteristic of those who know God, for God is love.
People Alphaeus, Andrew, Bartholomew, David, James, Jesus, John, Judas, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thomas, ZelotesPlaces Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Sidon, TyreTopics Anything, Beneficent, Despairing, Enemies, Evil, Expecting, Giving, Hearts, Highest, Hope, Hoping, Kind, Lend, Love, Loving, Money, Nevertheless, Nothing, Recompense, Repayment, Return, Reward, Selfish, Sons, Ungracious, Ungrateful, Unthankful, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Luke 6:35 1205 God, titles of 5013 heart, divine 2027 Christ, grace and mercy Library Laws of the Kingdom'And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God, 21. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture Three Condensed Parables Our Deserts Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Trinity The Blessing of Mercy, Rash Decisions. The Reward of Obedience. "Be Doers of the Word. " The Golden Rule of Life. That all Hope and Trust is to be Fixed in God Alone Judged by Fruit The Christian Assisted in Examining into his Growth in Grace. We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which Christian Love... Whether Poverty of Spirit is the Beatitude which Corresponds to the Gift of Fear Whether the Beatitudes Differ from the virtues and Gifts? Epistle xxxii. To Anastasius, Presbyter . Of Christian Liberty. How the Joyful and the Sad are to be Admonished. The Present Life as Related to the Future. In the Name of Christ "For as Many as are Led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. For Ye have not Received the Spirit of Bondage In the Bitter Cold of Winter the Trees Stand Bare of Leaves... Links Luke 6:35 NIVLuke 6:35 NLT Luke 6:35 ESV Luke 6:35 NASB Luke 6:35 KJV Luke 6:35 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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