Continuing the discussion regarding the law and how Jesus “fulfills” it (cf. s1S#124), He addressed in today’s gospel two issues- retaliation and attitudes toward enemies, showing that the Christian way of life supersedes any pre-existing norms and should mirror God’s perfection, (Mt 5:38-41).
The verb “ teleioō “ ( τέλειόω ), “to be perfect” is very rare in the gospels (only here and in 19:21 where the rich young man was challenged by the Lord). Jesus used this specifically in a dramatic command emphasizing the necessity for the believer to emulate divine perfection (5:48). It should not be pressed along ontological lines, but a call to cultivate integrity and virtue to their highest level humanly possible and to a faithful observance of God-given ideal, where one’s dealings with others reflect those of God (vv44-45). In the rest of the NT its adjectival form is used to describe those who manifest a “mature Christian character”, (1 Cor 2:6; Eph 4:13; Phil 3:15; Col 1:28; Heb 5:14; Jas 1:4, 3:2).
Regarding the law on retribution or the Hebrew law of talion (lat. lex talionis, v38), a sound law in itself for it meant to limit retribution, Jesus repealed it and taught that the response to any personal injury is to be non-violent and non-aggressive; rather the offender is to be treated with authentic (surprising) goodness. A blow to the face was a grave insult, (v39; cf Is 59:6; Jn 18:22), being dispossessed of one’s cloak (v40), an essential not only as a piece of clothing but serves as a sleeping bag as well and so without it exposes one to the element, and being pressed into service, (maybe as a relay type messenger or gear carrier of a soldier) was something humiliating (v41). Yet Jesus’ response moved beyond non-resistance to positive regard for the needs of anyone who asks, a borrower or one who has no resources, (v42). Largess is to be an evident characteristic of Jesus’ disciples. Finally, he mandated that friends or foes, kin or strangers are to receive the same treatment, love. And this is what mirrors God’s own way of acting (vv44f). None of it would be unthinkable without the new relationship of a Christian to God as Father (v44).
Jesus has shown us how his teaching goes beyond the Mosaic law. In other words, Christian conduct is not based on those of an earlier revelation much less on customary human standards. It is no longer the case that our dealings with others call for a measured response but rather the major concern of a person’s dignity and worth evokes unlimited forgiveness and boundless charity in the face of hurt or opposition. It means accepting everyone without discrimination changing enemies to friends and even fictive kin. A mighty tall order, indeed! And so we ask the Father that we may be truly transformed by his spirit to be able to approximate his own perfection and become authentic children of his. Amen.
