The next passage is the apex of comparisons between the Law of Moses and the Law of Love. Although it is true the Law of Moses tells us to ‘love our neighbor’

[1], Jesus commands us to endure persecution, pray for those who persecute us, and indeed he calls us to love our enemies. Then he equates this behavior with being perfect as God the Father is perfect. This is a very difficult passage. It has no parallel in the Law of Moses.

Love for enemies

“You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.[2]

Starting in Matthew 6 Jesus no longer compares the Law of Moses to his commands but proceeds for the rest of the sermon to just tell us his commands. None of the rest of the Sermon on the Mount is in the Law of Moses because the Sermon on the Mount is instruction on how to live by the Law of Love not the Law of Moses.

(The Law of Love; Chapter – Sermon on the Mount. Copyright © 2013, Timothy A. Baylor, All rights reserved )

[1] Leviticus 19:18

[2] Matthew 5:43-48