What is the meaning of Matthew 5:45? That you may be sons of your Father in heaven • Jesus has just commanded, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). The goal is family resemblance—living so that others recognize the Father’s character in us. • Scripture consistently ties sonship to reflecting God’s ways: – “But to all who received Him… He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). – “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). – “Be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1). • When believers respond to hostility with kindness, we demonstrate literal membership in God’s household, proving that our new birth (1 John 3:1) is real and practical. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good • Every sunrise is an intentional act of the Creator: “He sets the sun to govern the day” (Genesis 1:16). • God doesn’t ration daylight according to moral merit. Criminals and saints alike begin each morning bathed in the same warmth. • This daily generosity is part of what theologians call common grace—God’s kindness that sustains a fallen world (Acts 14:17: “He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons”). • By pointing to the sun, Jesus reminds us we are to reflect that same impartial benevolence, shining whether or not the recipient deserves it (Philippians 2:15). And sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous • In an agrarian society, rain meant life. Deuteronomy 11:14 promises the obedient Israel, “I will send rain for your land in its season,” yet here Jesus notes that even the rebellious receive it. • Job 5:10 praises God “who gives rain upon the earth and sends water upon the fields.” The Lord does not cancel needed showers because farmers dismiss Him. • Isaiah 55:10-11 links rain with God’s purposeful word; both “accomplish what I please.” When we bless antagonists, our actions echo that divine purpose, watering dry hearts with tangible love. • James 5:7 urges believers to “be patient… see how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the soil,” underscoring that faith-filled kindness, like rainfall, eventually bears fruit. summary Matthew 5:45 teaches that God’s children mirror their Father’s indiscriminate kindness. Just as He daily grants sunlight and rain to saints and sinners alike, we are called to extend love beyond our comfort zone. Doing so confirms our identity, showcases God’s common grace, and becomes a living testimony that the gospel is both true and transformative. |
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