How can we see the world through the Jesus Lens?

Enemy Love, Reconciliation and Retaliation.

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus says something that would’ve made His listeners do a double-take: “.“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose (fulfill them.)” Whoa. For context, “the law and the prophets” is the Old Testament. Some folks today might say, “We don’t need the Old Testament anymore,” while others elevate the Old Testament above other Scriptures. Jesus shuts both ideas down. He’s not abolishing the Old Testament, nor is He saying it’s above everything else. Instead, He’s saying, “The Old Testament is all about me.”

We all bring our lenses to Scripture, shaped by our upbringing, culture, or church background. Perhaps you grew up Baptist, Methodist, or Pentecostal, and that influences how you interpret the Bible. Those perspectives can be helpful, but Jesus invites us to see Scripture through His lens—a lens of love, grace, and truth. In John 5 and Luke 24, He demonstrates how the Scriptures testify about Him, and Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 1:20, stating that all of God’s promises find their “yes” in Jesus. So, let’s put on our Jesus lens as we explore what He says next.

The Jesus Lens: Love Everyone, Even the Unlovable

In Matthew 5, Jesus introduces six “You have heard it said, but I say unto you” statements, reframing how we understand God’s commands. Today, we’re starting with the sixth one—love for enemies—because it sets the tone for the rest.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:43-45, “43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” This was radical. Leviticus 19 commands love for your neighbor, but “hate your enemy”? That’s not in Scripture—it was a cultural add-on. Jesus challenges that narrative, calling us to love everyone, even those we’d rather write off.

Let’s be real: this is tough. We live in a world that feeds us excuses to dislike certain people, whether it’s someone who hurt us, disagrees with us politically, or just gets on our nerves. If we were to be honest, we have all had moments where we let bitterness creep in, thinking someone doesn’t deserve God’s love as much as we do. Jesus challenges that notion. He calls us to love and pray for our enemies, not because it’s easy, but because it reflects the heart of our Father.

This kind of love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action. In John 13:34, Jesus says, “Love one another. As I have loved you.” How did Jesus love? He served, sacrificed, listened, and poured His life into people others ignored. That’s the love we’re called to, whether it’s volunteering to serve our community or choosing kindness in everyday interactions. Can we stop being disciples of media, social media, and polarization, and instead become disciples of Jesus, allowing His love to shape how we perceive others?

The Jesus Lens: Seek Reconciliation

In Matthew 5, Jesus tackles murder in Matthew 5:21-22: “21 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” Murder? Easy to avoid. But anger? That hits closer to home. Jesus isn’t just concerned with outward actions; He’s after our hearts. He goes further in verses 23–24, saying if you’re offering a gift at the altar and remember someone has something against you, leave your gift, reconcile, then come back. Wow. Reconciliation isn’t optional—it’s central to living as Jesus’s followers.

I get it—sometimes relationships get messy. There are moments when boundaries are necessary, especially in abusive or manipulative situations. But even then, Jesus calls us to let go of bitterness and seek peace where possible. Paul echoes this in Ephesians 4:32: “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” If we’ve been forgiven so much, how can we withhold forgiveness from others? The Jesus lens prompts us to pursue reconciliation, rather than build walls of resentment.

The Jesus Lens: Resist Worldly Retaliation

In Matthew 5, Jesus also addresses retaliation in Matthew 5:38-42: “38 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. 40If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. 41If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. 42Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” This isn’t about being a doormat—it’s about resisting evil differently. Instead of “fighting fire with fire,” Jesus calls us to go the extra mile, give generously, and love extravagantly. Why? Because love transforms. Romans 2:4 reminds us that God’s kindness leads to repentance.

I’ll never forget a moment from serving with a ministry called Eight Days of Hope. We knocked on a woman’s door, and she poured out her struggles—family issues, job problems, health challenges. Instead of judging or preaching, we listened and prayed with her. That simple act of love opened her heart to say, “I need to follow Jesus more closely.” That’s the Jesus way—love that overcomes, not through force, but through love, listening, sacrifice, and service.

Jesus invites us to a different kind of life—one that loves the unlovable, seeks reconciliation, and resists retaliation with grace. It’s not always practical by the world’s standards, but it’s the way of the cross, where true transformation happens. As we reflect on Matthew 5, let’s ask Jesus to examine our hearts. Where have we let bitterness or anger take root? Where can we love more like Him?

If you want to dive deeper into Matthew chapter 5 check out this message: