It’s one thing to love people who love you, or even to be kind to people you don’t know well, but how do you treat those who hate you or wish you harm? That’s the kind of radical, otherworldly love that Jesus calls his followers to. In this message from Matthew 5:38–48, David Platt explains what it means to obey Jesus’ command to love our enemies. This is not something that we can do on our own—it’s the kind of love that comes from knowing God and living for his kingdom.
Observation: What does this passage say?
1) Read Matthew 5:38–48 aloud as a group. Let group members share observations. Try not to move into interpretation of the passage or application of what you read quite yet. Simply share what you observe.
- What commands do you find in verses 38–42 and how would you summarize them?
- What great contrast does Jesus establish in verses 43–47 and what people does He use to illustrate the contrast?
- How is perfection defined in verse 48?
- How would you summarize Matthew 5:38–48?
Interpretation: What does the passage mean?
1) Matthew 5:38–42
(For what Jesus is NOT saying, refer to James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8–9, Romans 12:9, Galatians 2:11, Matthew 18:15–17, Titus 3:10–11, Romans 16:17–18, Psalm 82:3–4, Romans 13:3–4, and Isaiah 1:17)
- How does Jesus illustrate the difference between the way that Old Testament Law in verses 38–42 was interpreted, with the way He intends it to be interpreted?
- Read Romans 12:18–21. How does this passage steer us to live as Jesus intends?
2) Matthew 5:43–48
- How are verses 43–44 counter-cultural and why should we strive to obey these verses?
- How do verses 45–47 describe a faithful believer and how might these specific, often convicting examples challenge us?
- Verse 48 commands us to be perfect, like God is perfect – What would it take for us to show His perfect love in a world that desperately needs it? (Refer to 1 Peter 2:20–23)
Application: How can we apply this passage to our lives?
1) Living by loving our enemies
- How would you characterize your love for your enemies today – are you honoring God, or glorifying self?
- As you consider the words that you use with others, where might you be more loving?
- If someone is persecuting you in some way, how could you honor them with acts of service?
- As you consider your prayers for others who might persecute you, how can you lift them up in a way that honors them and glorifies God?
- How can your Church Group help you to be more loving towards those who persecute you?
2) Loving as God loves us
- How has God’s love changed you?
- How is God’s other-worldly love for you evident in the other-worldly way you live your life?
- How can God’s love for all image-bearers guide your love for them?
- How can striving for heaven help you to live more like Jesus intends on earth?
- How is God calling you and your Church Group to love differently today locally and for the nations?
Matthew 5:38–48 ESV
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Sermon Recap
- Selflessly love the people in this world who, as expected, do evil against you.
- Jesus is NOT saying:
- Don’t resist evil. Don’t hate evil. Don’t oppose evil. Don’t call out evil. Don’t separate from those who do evil. Don’t protect others from evil. Don’t practice justice in government. Don’t pursue justice for others.
- How we love our enemies:
- Through the words we speak to them.
- Through the words we speak to God about them.
- Through the works we do for them.
- Why we love our enemies:
- Because we’re loved by God.
- Because they’re loved by God.
- Because you’re different than the world.
- Because you’re living for another world.
David Platt serves as a Lead Pastor for McLean Bible Church. He is also the Founder and Chairman of Radical, an organization that helps people follow Jesus and make him known in their neighborhood and all nations.
David received his B.A. from the University of Georgia and M.Div., Th.M., and Ph.D. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Some of his published works include Radical, Radical Together, Follow Me, Counter Culture, Something Needs to Change, and Don’t Hold Back.
He lives in the Washington, D.C. metro area with his wife and children.
