Be Perfect?

When Jesus sat down on the mountainside to teach His disciples about citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven, I have no doubt they were blown away. Being a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven was more demanding than they ever imagined.

In Matthew 5:13-48, Jesus expounded on His Beatitudes, teaching how living in them would impact their relationships with God, neighbors, and even their enemies. He ends the section by commanding: “Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48 NASB).

Perfect? Really?

How does a command for perfection fit in with the gospel message: salvation is through grace, not merit. We could not perfectly keep the Law, and as sinners needed a Savior. With His death, He qualified us for a relationship with God by giving His righteousness to us. “For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB).

So why then does Jesus demand perfection in this sermon? Is he asking the impossible?

This is one of those verses that has troubled me since childhood. How can I ever hope to be perfect? I can’t go five minutes without sinning in one way or another. Why is this verse in the Bible?!!

As usual, the context is key to understanding. In the previous section, He told the disciples to “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NASB). Today, as I worked through Matthew 5, I made a chart on Jesus’ contrasting remarks.

You Have heard it said…You shall not murder.

But I tell you…anyone who is angry with his brother, or calls him a good-for-nothing and a fool is guilty enough to go into fiery hell.

You have heard it said…An eye for an eye.

But I tell you…whoever slaps you on the cheek, turn the other toward him also. If someone wants your tunic, let him have your cloak also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him too. Give to him that asks you.

You have heard it said…You shall love your neighbor as yourself and hate your enemy.

But I tell you…Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you.

Why all this extra effort? What would we hope to accomplish in going above and beyond? 

Jesus said exactly why: “So that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven…therefore be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:45, 48 NASB).

The Greek word translated perfect here has the sense of completion, or something that is brought to its end. Finished. Jesus wasn’t talking about rule following. He wasn’t insisting on a moral code. He was talking about love. Going the extra mile for those who don’t deserve it. Freely giving to those who won’t return our love.

Going above and beyond is exactly how God loves.

God who sent His Son to die for His enemies. God who allowed Him to suffer on the cross to die for the very people who put Him there. Jesus giving His life for those who had spit on Him and mocked Him and lied about Him in court. Jesus died for them. “Greater love has no one than this…” (John 15:13 NASB).

 

So, if we determine to extend our love beyond those who will love us in return, to love those who even hate us, we are reflecting the perfect (complete) love of the Father. And people will know we are His, because that kind of sacrificial love  could only be explained by supernatural means. They will see it and give glory to our Father.