Episode 021 – Complete Like God
Key Passage(s): Matthew 5:43-48
Rain was always a downer for me growing up. It spoiled the outdoor fun. As a result, I never understood Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 about God sending sun and rain on the righteous and unrighteous and then concluding with being “perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” – as if that was even possible. But set in its context, this passage makes all the sense in the world, and Jesus’ words take on powerful implications for our lives.
Discussion Questions
- What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?
- How have you traditionally understood Matthew 5:48 with the translation of “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect?”
- How did this teaching affirm or change your understanding of Jesus’ words here?
- Knowing there’s a connection with Matthew 5:9, did you make any other connections?
- In what ways do you respond like the “tax collectors” and “pagans” to others in this passage?
- With whom do you need to be more complete like God in your interactions with them?
- How will you begin implementing your desired changes over this next week?
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Thank you Brad for another insightful message. I’ve found in my years on this earth there’s nothing more important than striving to know God and also striving to live a life of love and compassion for all of humanity. I look forward to your messages every Tuesday morning.
Bill
Thanks, Bill.
But after all is said and done we see this seeming contradiction:
Zechariah 14:17 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
Also:
1 Kings 8:35
2 Chronicles 6:26
Dig deeper, Brad.
Hi Faith, would appreciate clarification on your comment. Thank you.
Another wonderful teaching Brad. I absolutely love Tuesdays! Thank you for bringing a clearer picture of God’s will for my life.
God bless you Brad.
Steve
Thrilled to hear, Steve.
You are welcome, Steve. Thanks for the comments.
Another great teaching. Now, I do struggle in this area of loving my enemies. Any pointers on how to do this?
I always try and begin from a place of commonality, rather than difference. If I can highlight the common humanity and resist the urge to dehumanize them, I’m off to a more hopeful start. Furthermore, I try and empathize with them in their situation and why they may be acting the way they do. My fault is making too many assumptions without truly understanding their situation. So those are a couple of things I seek to do, along with asking God to empower me to love others as He loves them.
Wow, this is a work in progress. Thanks.
Truly helpful, Brad. Glad you listened to the Spirit and shared this message. Daily I need His power to be who I am called to be. I look forward to your messages. I finish my quiet time and then turn on the computer to listen. Sue
Really appreciate that, Sue.
Missed being at Hot Rock these past two years…argghhh! Hope and pray that it was fantastic! Great message – thanks for sharing!
We had a great week, Rex. Definitely missed you!
This teaching adds a powerful dimension to Jesus’ association with sinners and outcasts, demonstrating God’s inclusiveness and invitation to all to come to the table.