The Sermon On The Mount v2 11 Enemies
Jesus said in Matthew 5:20 that unless our righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, we cannot enter His kingdom. This was a shocking statement and revealed that their righteousness was flawed and not pleasing to God. Jesus gives six examples of contrasts between their flawed righteousness compared to His kingdom righteousness which was in harmony with both the Law of Moses and the gospel under which we live today. Jesus in Mat 5:43-48 exposed their flawed righteousness about how to treat their enemies. They had come to believe and taught that one could love their neighbor but hat e their enemy. But, the Law of Moses taught that they were not to hate their enemies but to do good toward them. Jesus said we must love our enemies and pray for them, doing what is good toward them so we can be like our heavenly Father who sends his blessings on all. The New Testament agrees we must love and do good to our enemies seeking their salvation.
