Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Matthew 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:48 "You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect. [Lev 19:2] |
Bible Question: Is this 'goal' or command that was stated by Jesus possible for us? In what way are we to be 'perfect'? |
Bible Answer: Nolan. Both. In all ways. These are my answers. Is this 'goal' or command that was stated by Jesus possible for us? Both. It is like the greyhounds chasing the "rabbit" ... they are trained (commanded) to chase it and it is their goal. We cannot be perfect. In what way are we to be 'perfect'? In the immediate context, Jesus was talking about loving your enemies, which probably is tougher than loving your neighbor. He had not told them who their new neighbor was. We can take this part and say if you love your enemies, you are perfect. God did/ does (Rom 5:8)? However, I think it is deeper. The next bigger context is the "You have heard - I say to you" series. He was comparing His standards to that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law - they were righteousness people, but not enough (5:20). The next context is the Sermon on the Mount where He starts with the Beatitudes which are very hard to follow. Steve PS I agree with Hank - we don't need the full response from the ex |