Matthew 5:46 – “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus challenges His followers to go beyond the ordinary standard of love. Loving those who love us back is natural and common, but Jesus calls for a love that exceeds this—a love that reflects God’s character. He uses the example of tax collectors, who were despised in Jewish society for their dishonesty and collaboration with Roman oppressors. Even they, Jesus says, love those who love them. His point is that kingdom living requires a love that extends even to those who are unkind or undeserving.
Historical Context
In the first century, tax collectors were seen as traitors by their fellow Jews because they worked for the Roman government and often exploited their own people. Despite their reputation, they were capable of showing love and loyalty to their close friends and allies. Jesus uses them as an example to show that simply loving those who love us is not remarkable—it’s something even the most despised individuals do. His teaching elevates the standard, calling His followers to a love that mirrors God’s own impartial and selfless love.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the nature of God’s love: it is not conditional or selective. It challenges believers to reflect this divine love by loving people who might not love them back. This kind of love is not based on merit or mutual benefit but flows from a transformed heart that seeks to honor God. Jesus shows that His followers are called to live differently from the world, demonstrating a higher standard of love that points to God’s grace.
Literary Analysis
The rhetorical question, “What reward will you get?” emphasizes that loving only those who love you is insufficient in God’s eyes. The mention of tax collectors serves as a vivid contrast, illustrating how even those with questionable character show basic human affection. This structure challenges the reader to evaluate their own love, encouraging a deeper reflection on what it means to live according to God’s kingdom values.
Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 6:32-33: A parallel teaching that highlights the call to love those who don’t love us back.
- Matthew 9:10-13: Jesus shows love and compassion to tax collectors, demonstrating His radical love.
- Romans 5:8: God demonstrates His love for us in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
- 1 John 4:19-21: A reminder that we love because God first loved us, and true love extends to others.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse challenges them to examine the limits of their love. Loving those who are kind or easy to love is good but not extraordinary. Jesus calls His followers to love in a way that stands out—a love that reaches enemies, strangers, and those who may never return the favor. This teaching encourages believers to rely on God’s strength to show grace and compassion, even in difficult relationships.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is the ultimate example of unselfish and unconditional love. He loves not only those who honor Him but also those who reject Him, offering grace and forgiveness to all. By calling His followers to love beyond their comfort zone, God invites them to share in His mission of bringing light to a broken world. This verse reflects God’s desire for His people to be conduits of His love.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus embodies the love described in this verse. He loved sinners, tax collectors, and even those who crucified Him, praying for their forgiveness. His life and ministry were marked by selfless love for all, regardless of how they treated Him. Through His sacrifice, Jesus empowers believers to love as He does, relying on the Holy Spirit to extend grace and mercy to others.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge the way you view love in your relationships?
- Are there people in your life who are difficult to love? How can you extend grace to them?
- What steps can you take to move beyond loving only those who love you back?
- How does Jesus’ example of loving sinners inspire you to love others selflessly?
- In what ways can loving difficult people reflect God’s love to the world around you?
This verse challenges Christians to rise above the ordinary and reflect God’s extraordinary love in their lives. It invites believers to extend grace, mercy, and kindness to all, pointing others to the transforming power of God’s love through their actions.