Matthew 5:43-48
Chapter 5
43
You have heard that it was said: Love your neighbor and do not do good to your enemy.
44
But this I tell you: love your enemies; and pray for those who persecute you,
45
so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. For he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good, and he gives rain to both the just and the unjust.
46
If you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Don’t even tax collectors do the same?
47
And if you are only friendly to your friends, what makes that so exceptional? Don’t even the pagans do that? As for you, be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Commentaries
Jesus and the Law.
Jesus clarifies his view on the Law, the Torah. First, he discusses it in general, including all Scripture in the well-known phrase “the Law and the Prophets”; then, in six clearly defined contrasts, highlighted by Matthew’s famous antitheses: “You have heard that it was said… but I say to you.” Jesus speaks with authority that goes beyond the old legislation.
Jesus restores the commandments to their core and ultimate purpose: serving life, justice, love, and truth. He does not oppose the old Law with a new one but transforms it and brings it to fulfillment. At the heart is sacred respect for the person and a denunciation of anything that, even if disguised by legality, attacks their dignity.