This lesson is on Matthew 5:43-48. Nowhere is there a greater contrast between the false, hypocritical "righteousness" of the Jewish religious rulers of Christ's day and true, godly heart-righteousness than in the Lord's sixth and final illustration on the section of "The Sermon on the Mount" entitled "Reinterpretations of the Law". This greatest contrast deals with LOVE. In no more important area had the scribes and Pharisees so critically departed from God's standards of holiness. Unfortunately, they were far too "in-love" with themselves and their social status to have time to be concerned for anyone outside their inner circle. We divide this study into three sections. First, we look at the Mosaic principles about love (Leviticus 19:18), then we discuss the Pharisaic perversion on the subject of love. Finally, finally we look at Christ's perspective, which is to possess a supernatural love that enables us to love and pray for our enemies, and be equal in our treatment of everyone.
