Matthew 5: 31-48

5. The Disciple’s Honor – Integrity under Fire

Focus: Divorce, oaths, retaliation, love of enemies; call to perfection

Why this section: Completes Jesus’ six contrasts, proving discipleship touches covenants, speech, justice, and even treating opponents with grace—vital for warriors who must balance strength with moral restraint. (c/o CMF)

31 “It was said, ‘Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce’;

32 but say to you that everyone who [ae]divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a [af]divorced woman commits adultery. WHEN I COUNSEL PEOPLE, I SAY UNCHASTITY MAY BE A REASON FOR DIVORCE. THESE ARE STRONG WORDS ABOUT MARRYING SOMEONE WHO IS DIVORCED.

33 “Again, you have heard that [ag]the ancients were told, ‘[ah]You shall not [ai]make false vows, but shall fulfill your [aj]vows to the Lord.’ YOU IS SINGULAR HERE. WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT LYING.

34 But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,

35 or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or [ak]by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. WE ARE WARNED ABOUT MAKING VOWS.

36 Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.

37 But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is [al]of evil. WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL OF SAYING MAYBE.

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ THIS IS OLD TESTAMENT THINKING.

39 But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. THE WAY OF CHRIST CAN BE HARD.

40 If anyone wants to sue you and take your [am]shirt, let him have your [an]coat also. THIS IS SACRIFICIAL. AGAIN, THIS IS NOT EASY.

41 Whoever [ao]forces you to go one mile, go with him two. THIS REMINDS ME OF COMMANDERS TAKING US FOR A RUN LONGER THAN WE EXPECTED.

42 Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. THIS IS IN CONTRAST TO PSALM 37: 21 "The wicked borrows and does not pay back"

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ THIS IS EASY TO DO IF OUR NEIGHBORS ARE NICE. WHAT IF THEY AREN’T?

44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, THE FIRST PART IS CHALLENGING. IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE TO PRAY FOR PERSECUTORS.

45 so that you may [ap]be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. THIS IS LIKE THE BOOK OF JOB. WE MAY NOT KNOW WHY BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? TAX COLLECTORS WERE CONSIDERED EVIL THEN, TOO.

47 If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

48 Therefore [aq]you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. GENTILES ARE NON-JEWS. PERFECT CAN ALSO MEAN MATURE.

Footnotes

Matthew 5:32 Or sends away

Matthew 5:32 Or sent away

Matthew 5:33 Lit it was said to the ancients

Matthew 5:33 you and your are singular here

Matthew 5:33 Or break your vows

Matthew 5:33 Lit oaths

Matthew 5:35 Or toward

Matthew 5:37 Or from the evil one

Matthew 5:40 Lit tunic; i.e. a garment worn next to the body

Matthew 5:40 Lit cloak; i.e. an outer garment

Matthew 5:41 Lit will force

Matthew 5:45 Or show yourselves to be

Matthew 5:48 Lit you shall be