Why Jesus Wants Us to Love Our Enemies

Sermon on the Mount E16 - In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus shares his sixth and final case study based on the wisdom of the Torah, and it may be the most challenging one yet. The first three case studies focused on treating others as sacred image-bearers of God. The fourth and fifth case studies offered guidance on how to handle conflict. And in the final case study, Jesus concludes with wisdom on how to respond to people who not only dislike us but even desire our harm. In this episode, Jon and Tim discuss one of Jesus’ most famous teachings: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Show Music:
Original Sermon on the Mount music by Richie Kohen
BibleProject theme song by TENTS
“Better Days” - Evil Needle
“Inner Glow” - Bao & Packed Rich
Show Credits:
Jon Collins is the creative producer for today’s show, and Tim Mackie is the lead scholar. Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer; Cooper Peltz, managing producer; Colin Wilson, producer; and Stephanie Tam, consultant and editor. Tyler Bailey, Frank Garza, and Aaron Olsen are our audio editors. Tyler Bailey is also our audio engineer, and he provided our sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Today’s hosts are Jon Collins and Michelle Jones.

[@SeanRhoadesChristopher]

The biggest hurdle for me, is viewing the impact of my actions towards others (and that may include a history of my sour behavior that was hidden to me) from the other person’s point of view. This blind spot may extend to some others as well. We all have hidden faults in our character that needs awakened by a scourging sometimes. Other times, it only requires a soft tongue. When the scourging arrives, we usually do not make the connection that our Heavenly Father is trying to teach us something by using someone else as his rod of reproof. We usually turn that other person into an enemy when truth being told, the scourging should be viewed as anointing oil of the Heavenly Father’s Love.

[@jillchristine1561]

Thank you for all your work Mr. Dan Gummel. 🙏

[@TheMetaAnalyst]

😅😅That's a really difficult thought experiment - "What would Jesus tell David about his enemies?" Thanks, John, for bringing it up

[@SeanRhoadesChristopher]

The psalms are Holy Spirit inspired, so in a way, the LORD (The Father, Son, HS) was talking to David here. I think Tim gave a satisfactory answer, unfortunately it requires going back to the series on the chaos dragon to understand what he’s saying, if you haven’t already listened to it. In short, those enemies David is speaking about are those who give into the idea that was sparked by the serpent’s claim that the consequences of disobedience are false, and we (Adam apart from the LORD) are better able to determine what’s good, and bad for ourselves, apart from the LORD our creator. The hidden serpent puppet master and his followers in the invisible realm and in our visible realm are the enemy David hates and whom we should hate. Tim refers to these enemies as the seven headed, Chaos Dragon, and his puppets (The Nations) as the Sea Monster (Leviathan) and the Beast Monster (Behemoth).

[@jpix96]

Hmmm, if i'm honest i do not think David was wrong about hating the enemies of God. I guess we have forgotten what role David had to full fill. He was a king, who was anointed to lead the household of Israël in following God. It were God's rules which state some acts should be rewarded with death... God's love is also what guides His justice. He knows what the true future after sin is. So He states it's better for the future of the household (earth) to have someone out of it. Also this was the covenant made with Israël. Jesus came with a new covenant. So the old doesn't apply as it did to before. No earthly king who judges between life and death right after a hearing. Only Jesus who will in the end do this. Much more room to change, and be changed! 🕊️❤️😇 In the end only God is able to bear the consequences of what we did. And praise Him, for He already did!!! 🕊️❤️😇

[@NealBones]

Thank you Dan for everything you've done for BibleProject

[@vinnybaggins]

"It's all about the image of God, about reflecting the being of God himself." True! That's what Jesus' teachings are all about: a mission for a lifetime. Lord, help us!

[@tendaimsimang8630]

We should love our enemies, But resist the enemy. We are to resist the snake But have compassion on the victims of its poison.

[@bonbondurjdr6553]

Keep up the good work!

[@ricklivermore9141]

Thanks for producing all your content! Well done!

[@cicigardenberry3135]

I dig the groovy music in this episode.

[@LearndingLife]

Great episode! Thanks for all you've done Dan, praying for the next season to be a blessing.

[@pennymchugh3146]

... and I matter as much as they do.

[@TheMetaAnalyst]

New one, lets go 🔥🔥

[@CanadianAnglican]

A great message. Thank you for this great video.

[@reamalan5849]

Thank you all for the work you put in! God bless you all

[@johnwashburn3793]

This was exceptional and came at the perfect time. I send it to a friend who is forced to move front the family home because the mother he was caring for died. His sister has control and wants to sell. He has hate. She is greedy. All need prayer. I have known them for 50 years. I hope he listens

[@tonyblain5750]

Jesus came not for the righteous but to call sinners to repentance.

[@DavidCodyPeppers.]

🕊️

[@jdcan29837]

Terrific podcast. Curious as to whether or not they were referencing Walter Wink's "Powers" trilogy in this podcast and the last.

[@angelinarossi7642]

What is the Hebrew word used for "hate"? Does it mean to despise intently or is more like to not prefer.

[@seus2731]

you mention MLK, you could also mention Gandhi when it comes to non- violence , MLK movement did become violence eventually