Matthew 5:45
Verse
Context
Love Your Enemies
44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45that 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.46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same?
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
That ye may be the children--sons. of your Father which is in heaven--The meaning is, "that ye may show yourselves to be such by resembling Him" (compare Mat 5:9; Eph 5:1). for he maketh his sun--"your Father's sun." Well might BENGEL exclaim, "Magnificent appellation!" to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust--rather, (without the article) "on evil and good, and on just and unjust." When we find God's own procedure held up for imitation in the law, and much more in the prophets (Lev 19:2; Lev 20:26; and compare Pe1 1:15-16), we may see that the principle of this surprising verse was nothing new: but the form of it certainly is that of One who spake as never man spake.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye may be the children of your father,.... Not that any became the children of God, by doing things in imitation of him: for as in nature no man becomes the son of another by imitating him, or by doing the things he does but either by birth, or by adoption; so in grace no man becomes a child of God by the works he does, as a follower of God, but by adopting grace; and which is discovered in regeneration. Christ's meaning is, that they might appear, and be known to be the children of God, by doing those things in which they resemble their heavenly Father; and which are agreeable to his nature and conduct; as the tree is known by its fruit, and the cause by its effect: for where adoption and regenerating grace take place, the fruit of good works is brought forth to the glory of God. Some copies, instead of "children", read "like": and accordingly, the Persic version renders it thus, "that ye may be like your Father, which is heaven". Our Lord seems to have respect to the Jews, often having in their mouths this expression, , "our Father which is in heaven"; and to their frequent boasting that they were the children of God; and therefore he would have them make this manifest by their being like him, or acting in imitation of him; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil, and on the good. Christ instances in one of the greatest blessings in nature, the sun, so useful to the earth, and so beneficial to mankind for light and heat; which he calls "his sun": his own, and not another's; which he has made, and maintains, orders to run its race, and commands it to rise morning by morning, and that upon good and bad men; one, as well as another; all equally share in, and partake of its benign influences, and enjoy the comfortable effects and blessings of it: and sendeth rain on the just and unjust; that is, on the fields of persons of such different characters, even both the early and the latter rain; which makes the earth fruitful, crowns it with goodness, and causes it to bring forth bread to the eater, and seed to the sower. This is one of the most considerable blessings of life; the gift of it is God's sole prerogative; it is peculiar to him; it is what none of the vanities of the Gentiles can give; and yet is bestowed by him on the most worthless and undeserving. This flows from that perfection of God, which the Cabbalists (u) call ""chesed, mercy", or benignity, to which it is essential to give largely to all, both "to the just and unjust".'' The Jews have a saying (x), that "greater is the day of rain, than the resurrection of the dead; for the resurrection of the dead is for the just; but rain is , "both for the just, and for the wicked":'' a way of speaking much like this here. They also used to praise God for rain, on this consideration, because it was given to unworthy persons. "(y) R. Jose Bar Jacob went to visit R. Joden of Magdala; whilst he was there, rain descended, and he heard his voice, saying, thousands of thousands, and millions of millions are bound to praise thy name, O our king, for every drop thou causest to descend upon us, , "because thou renderest good to the wicked".'' Now our Lord instances in things which could not be denied, and they themselves allowed; and makes use of their own words, to engage them to imitate God, whom they call their Father, by doing good to their enemies, and them that hated them, as well as to their friends and neighbours: yet sometimes they could scarcely allow, that the Gentiles had the same share in this divine favour with themselves; for they say (z), that "God works by way of miracle, that rain should not be wanting in his land, although it is wanting in the countries of the Heathen; as he says, Job 5:10 "who giveth rain on the earth", which is the land of Israel; for on that , "a great rain" descends, and "sendeth waters", "few (which is added to the text) upon the fields"; which relates to what is without the land, whereupon it does not descend, but the substance of the land of Israel; therefore he saith, the Lord will open to thee his good treasure, and not to others.'' (u) Sepher Shaar Hassamaim, Tract. 7. c. 12. p. 155. (x) T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 7. 1. (y) T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 14. 1. & Taanith, fol. 64. 2. (z) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 152. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:45 By loving all people, Jesus’ followers would not become children of God; they would show by their actions that they are indeed God’s true children, according to his nature and will (see Deut 10:18-19).
Matthew 5:45
Love Your Enemies
44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45that 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.46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Basics) 55. Praying Putting God First
By Zac Poonen2.8K12:25MAT 5:45MAT 6:9MAT 6:33ROM 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our lives and prayers. Jesus taught us to seek God's kingdom and glory before our own needs. By starting our prayers with "Our Father, who art in heaven," we acknowledge two important facts about God: He is our loving Father and He is in heaven. The preacher also highlights the need to change our self-centered thinking and renew our minds to align with God's perspective.
(Basics) 42. Jesus Love Is Seen in His Dying
By Zac Poonen2.1K13:10MAT 5:45MAT 12:20LUK 19:41LUK 19:45ACT 20:35In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God blesses us with material possessions so that we can use them to bless others. Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and his love compelled him to use his possessions to benefit others. The speaker also highlights Jesus' compassion and willingness to be inconvenienced for the sake of others. Jesus wept over Jerusalem and used a whip to drive out those who were misusing the temple, but his actions were motivated by love. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to demonstrate this same love by doing good and delivering people from the oppression of Satan, just as Jesus did.
(2 Corinthians) ch.6:3-7:5
By Zac Poonen1.9K44:36MAT 5:452CO 6:32CO 6:16In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the letter of Paul to the Corinthians as an autobiography of Paul's inner life. The speaker emphasizes the importance of genuine love and speaking the plain truth without compromise. The qualities of patience, endurance, and integrity are highlighted as essential for being a true servant of God. The speaker also emphasizes the need for purity, knowledge of God's word, and continued patience in order to prove oneself as a servant of God.
God Vindicated His Righteousness
By John Piper1.8K36:37MAT 5:45MAT 6:33ROM 3:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of God's forgiveness and the importance of the cross of Christ. He emphasizes that if God were to overlook sin, it would diminish His glory and importance. The preacher poses two questions to the audience, asking if they believe God would be righteous in not forgiving sins apart from the cross, and if they think God could require suffering in proportion to the degree of despised glory. The sermon encourages listeners to understand and embrace the cross as the foundation of their faith and to worship and revere God for His mercy and worthiness.
The New Heart
By C.H. Spurgeon1.8K40:44PSA 103:12ISA 1:18EZK 36:26MAT 5:45LUK 15:11JHN 3:16ROM 5:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the necessity of the great promise of God. He acknowledges that this may be obvious to Christians, but it is important for the conviction of the ungodly and the humbling of our pride. The preacher highlights the depravity of human nature and the need for God's mercy for salvation. He emphasizes that God does not promise to improve our nature or mend our broken hearts, but rather, He demands a complete cleansing and a new nature for communion with Himself. The preacher concludes by promising to explain the nature of this great change that the Holy Spirit works in us.
Doing Good to Others
By Zac Poonen1.7K49:30Good Works1SA 16:7MAT 5:45MAT 6:33JHN 10:10ACT 10:14ACT 10:38TIT 2:11In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power, and that he went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. The speaker highlights that Jesus' life was a constant battle against Satan to deliver people from his grasp. He encourages listeners to follow Jesus' example by diligently working to meet their own needs and the needs of others, and to live a life of abundance and goodness. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of being zealous to do good to others, just as Jesus gave himself to redeem and purify a people for his own possession.
Judging or Esteeming?
By Bill McLeod1.6K43:01JudgingMAT 5:45JHN 13:35ROM 12:211CO 10:13EPH 4:2PHP 2:3JAS 1:19In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man who was critical of preachers and caused disruptions during church business meetings for 25 years. The preacher then recounts another incident where a man who was causing trouble during a business meeting suddenly dropped dead after the preacher prayed for it to stop. The preacher reflects on these stories and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and humility. He also mentions the need for self-reflection and asks his own daughters for forgiveness for not being a good father and Christian. The sermon highlights the consequences of being critical and the power of prayer and forgiveness.
How Jesus Pleased the Father
By Zac Poonen6541:05:56MAT 5:45MAT 12:322CO 5:9GAL 2:20HEB 4:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the mind of Christ, focusing on the need to deny oneself, follow Jesus, and seek to please God above all else. It highlights the example of Paul and Jesus in living a life dedicated to pleasing the Father, through prayer, humility, and forgiveness. The speaker challenges listeners to examine their hearts, prioritize obedience to God's will, and cultivate a mindset that reflects the character of Christ.
Epistle 375
By George Fox0Unity in ChristLiving a Holy LifeJOL 2:28MAL 4:2MAT 5:16MAT 5:45ROM 5:51CO 12:31GAL 5:22EPH 4:16PHP 2:31PE 5:6George Fox emphasizes the importance of glorifying God in all meetings, urging friends to maintain unity, humility, and love among one another. He encourages believers to keep their gatherings focused on the life and truth of Christ, avoiding strife and reflecting on each other in a spirit of kindness. Fox highlights the necessity of living out the virtues of love, peace, and righteousness, as these qualities edify the body of Christ and serve as a testimony to the world. He warns against losing one's spiritual savor and encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and good works, which ultimately glorify God. The sermon concludes with a call to live holy lives, reflecting the light of Christ in a world that often dishonors God.
Homily 50 on the Acts of the Apostles
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 5:45JHN 8:49ACT 24:10ACT 24:15ROM 12:20John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of forgiveness and overcoming anger towards our enemies. He emphasizes the need to imitate Christ in responding to insults and injuries with kindness and reconciliation, rather than retaliation. Chrysostom encourages his listeners to control their anger, avoid escalating conflicts, and strive for peace and reconciliation even in the face of provocation and injustice.
2 Corinthians 9:10
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 103:4MAT 5:45MAT 6:4ACT 10:42CO 9:11PHP 4:17John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of almsgiving and the spiritual and temporal rewards that come from it. He emphasizes the need to exhibit a virtuous life worthy of God's grace, highlighting the significance of generosity and the impact it has on glorifying God, warming love, and working loftiness of soul in individuals. Chrysostom encourages the congregation to avoid excess and focus on nourishment rather than indulgence, pointing out that almsgiving leads to many good works and blessings from God. He concludes by exalting the unspeakable gift of God and the transformative power of sacrificial giving, urging believers to see the altar in every poor believer and to offer their lives as a living sacrifice.
Chosen, Called, and Cared For
By Thomas Bradbury0MAT 5:45LUK 18:7JHN 6:37ACT 9:1ACT 27:232TI 2:132TI 4:16Thomas Bradbury preaches on the profound truths of God's sovereign election, emphasizing the Father's gracious choice of His people, the irresistible calling of the elect to Christ, and the eternal security and preservation of those who come to Him. He highlights the exclusivity of God's liberality and benevolence, contrasting it with the sectarian spirit of the world. Bradbury delves into the story of Saul of Tarsus, illustrating how even the most vehement persecutors can be transformed by Christ's love and grace, never to be cast out. He reassures believers that despite their weaknesses, doubts, and failures, Christ's faithfulness and promise to never cast them out remain unwavering.
What Is God Like?
By Andrew Murray0Divine GenerosityGod's NaturePSA 84:11ISA 60:1MAT 5:45JHN 10:10JHN 15:5ROM 8:32GAL 5:22EPH 3:20JAS 1:172PE 1:3Andrew Murray explores the nature of God, comparing Him to the sun that shines generously on all, regardless of their state. He emphasizes that just as the sun continuously pours out its light, God is always willing to bestow His love and life upon us, nurturing our growth and fruitfulness. Murray challenges the notion that God withholds His presence, urging believers to examine their own experiences and expectations of communion with Him. He encourages a deeper understanding of God's willingness to bless and transform us, highlighting the beauty and potential that God desires to cultivate in our lives.
A Silly Gospel
By David Servant0MAT 5:45JHN 8:44JHN 16:8ACT 24:25ROM 2:4ROM 11:22EPH 2:1HEB 12:29JAS 2:132PE 3:91JN 3:10David Servant addresses the misconception that God's father-heart extends to all, emphasizing that God is only the Father of those who have repented and believed in Jesus, while others remain spiritually children of Satan. He highlights the danger of idolizing the 'father-heart of God' and neglecting other aspects of God's character, such as His holiness and wrath. Servant challenges the trend of focusing solely on God's love for sinners, stressing the importance of preaching about holiness, judgment, and repentance, even if it is unpopular. He warns against accommodating sinners with a watered-down gospel, advocating for a message that convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment, as exemplified by Jesus, John the Baptist, and the apostles.
Homily 17 on Ephesians
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 2:11MAT 5:45MAT 6:141CO 13:112CO 6:14EPH 4:32John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of imitating God by being kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving towards one another, just as God forgave us through Christ's sacrifice. He emphasizes the need to walk in love, following Christ's example of sacrificial love. Chrysostom warns against engaging in jesting, filthiness, and foolish talking, urging believers to instead give thanks and avoid behaviors unbecoming of saints. He highlights the significance of imitating God as beloved children and living a life of love and forgiveness, reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ.
God and China
By Zhiming Yuan0PSA 29:10PSA 47:2PSA 77:14JER 10:10MAT 5:45JHN 1:4ACT 14:16ACT 17:23ACT 17:26ROM 1:19ROM 3:29Zhiming Yuan delves into the intricate relationship between Christianity and Chinese culture, exploring the historical tensions, biases, and hindrances that have existed over the past 5000 years. He challenges the notion that Christianity and Chinese history are unrelated, emphasizing the essential connections between the two based on the concept of God defined in the Bible. Yuan highlights the need for Chinese Christians to engage in concrete research to confirm and manifest God's will in Chinese culture, rather than following the ways of atheists or being influenced by cultural biases.
I Will Cause the Shower to Come Down in His Season
By C.H. Spurgeon0Abundant GraceSovereign MercyPSA 65:9ISA 41:17ISA 44:3LAM 3:22MAT 5:452CO 9:8EPH 3:20PHP 4:19JAS 1:172PE 1:2C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the concept of sovereign mercy in his sermon 'I Will Cause the Shower to Come Down in His Season,' illustrating that only God has the authority to send rain, symbolizing grace. He explains that just as the earth needs rain for growth, humanity requires divine grace for spiritual sustenance, which is given abundantly and in its proper season. Spurgeon reassures that God's blessings are plentiful and varied, meant to meet our needs whether in times of drought or heaviness. He encourages believers to look to God for these 'showers of blessing' and to remain open to receiving His grace. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the necessity of God's grace in every aspect of life.
David Relying Upon the Lord's Lovingkindness
By Bob Hoekstra0PSA 17:7PSA 27:1PSA 36:10PSA 40:10PSA 62:8PSA 63:3PSA 143:8MAT 5:45Bob Hoekstra preaches on David's reliance on the Lord's lovingkindness, which is better than life itself. Lovingkindness, akin to grace, encompasses God's zealous, loyal, and merciful love, as well as His commitment to provide for His children daily. David's deep desire was for the Lord to demonstrate His marvelous lovingkindness in his daily walk, acknowledging that God's lovingkindness surpasses all earthly pleasures. David sought the ongoing supply of God's lovingkindness for those who have a true relationship with Him, starting from the morning. As the Lord poured out His steadfast love, David glorified Him among His people.
Our Daily Homily - Matthew
By F.B. Meyer0SalvationFaith and ObedienceMAT 1:21MAT 5:45MAT 6:18MAT 7:2MAT 9:22MAT 10:27MAT 11:6MAT 22:37MAT 26:28MAT 28:5F.B. Meyer emphasizes that Jesus' mission was to save His people from their sins, not merely from the consequences of sin. He highlights the importance of understanding the full scope of salvation, which includes deliverance from the power of sin and the establishment of God's kingdom. Meyer also reflects on the significance of faith, obedience, and the necessity of a personal relationship with Christ, urging believers to live out their faith actively and to seek a deeper connection with God. He encourages the congregation to recognize their role in God's plan and to respond to His call with trust and action.
Fire, and Hail; Snow and Vapours; Stormy Wind Fulfilling His Word
By John Calvin0JOB 37:6PSA 104:4PSA 148:8MAT 5:45JAS 5:17John Calvin preaches about the sovereignty of God over nature, emphasizing how elements like hail, snow, storms, and winds all fulfill God's word and are under His control. He highlights that every weather change, from rain to thunder, is orchestrated by God's will to either show His goodness or bring judgment. Calvin teaches that in times of drought or excessive rain, we should pray to God for His intervention, recognizing His power over creation and His ability to calm the troubled elements.
Jesus the One Who Makes Free Indeed John 8:25-47
By R.A. Torrey0True FreedomDiscipleshipMAT 5:45JHN 1:12JHN 7:17JHN 8:32JHN 8:36ROM 10:102TH 2:101PE 2:221JN 2:191JN 3:22R.A. Torrey emphasizes that Jesus is the source of true freedom, urging believers to recognize their need for Him to escape the bondage of sin. He discusses the importance of genuine faith that leads to true discipleship, highlighting that merely believing in Jesus is not enough; one must abide in His Word to know the truth and be set free. Torrey contrasts the children of God with the children of the devil, illustrating that true followers of Christ will love Him and hear His words, while those who reject Him are enslaved by sin. The sermon calls for self-examination regarding one's relationship with Jesus and the necessity of accepting His teachings to experience true liberation.
Philippians 2:5-8
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 23:2ISA 51:11ISA 58:7MAT 5:45MAT 6:24MAT 25:34LUK 10:19LUK 14:331CO 3:13PHP 2:5John Chrysostom preaches on the humility and obedience of Christ as an example for believers, emphasizing the need to have the same mindset as Christ who humbled Himself and became obedient even unto death. He addresses various heresies of his time, refuting them with scriptural explanations and exhorting the congregation to guard against the love of money and the dangers of covetousness. Chrysostom warns against the consequences of betraying Christ for worldly gain, highlighting the importance of living a life worthy of the faith and avoiding the pitfalls of avarice and disobedience.
Rain Without Clouds? Never!
By C.H. Spurgeon0God's FaithfulnessBlessings in TrialsPSA 30:5PSA 126:5ECC 11:3ISA 41:10MAT 5:45ROM 8:282CO 4:172CO 12:9JAS 1:21PE 5:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that while dark clouds may obscure the sun, they are essential for bringing forth rain, which symbolizes blessings that follow our troubles. He reassures us that our hardships are not without purpose, as they often lead to spiritual growth and grace. Spurgeon encourages believers to view their struggles as opportunities for God's mercy and love to manifest, reminding us that even in dark times, God is near and working for our good. He concludes with a call to rejoice in the blessings that will come after the storms, as they are part of God's divine plan.
1 Peter 3:12
By John Gill0God's JusticeRighteousnessPSA 34:15PSA 145:18PRO 15:29ISA 59:1MAT 5:45ROM 3:222TH 1:6HEB 4:131PE 3:121JN 5:14John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 3:12, emphasizing that the Lord's eyes are always upon the righteous, not just in the sight of men but through the righteousness of Christ. He reassures believers that God delights in them and is attentive to their prayers, promising justice and protection. Conversely, God's face is against those who do evil, signifying His anger and the dire consequences for the wicked. This understanding encourages the righteous to trust in God's timing for justice rather than seeking vengeance themselves.
His Sun
By Horatius Bonar0Divine LoveGod's SovereigntyPSA 19:4PSA 148:3EZK 18:4MAT 5:45LUK 15:4LUK 15:8JHN 8:12REV 6:12REV 8:12REV 16:8Horatius Bonar emphasizes the divine ownership of creation, particularly focusing on the sun as God's property. He explains that God not only created the sun but also sustains it, allowing it to rise and shine for both the righteous and the wicked. The sun serves multiple purposes: it brings mercy, performs miracles, acts as a type of Christ, and signifies judgment. Bonar encourages believers to recognize the sun as a reflection of God's love and to respond by loving others as God loves. Ultimately, the sun is a reminder of God's presence and providence in our lives.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
That ye may be the children--sons. of your Father which is in heaven--The meaning is, "that ye may show yourselves to be such by resembling Him" (compare Mat 5:9; Eph 5:1). for he maketh his sun--"your Father's sun." Well might BENGEL exclaim, "Magnificent appellation!" to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust--rather, (without the article) "on evil and good, and on just and unjust." When we find God's own procedure held up for imitation in the law, and much more in the prophets (Lev 19:2; Lev 20:26; and compare Pe1 1:15-16), we may see that the principle of this surprising verse was nothing new: but the form of it certainly is that of One who spake as never man spake.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye may be the children of your father,.... Not that any became the children of God, by doing things in imitation of him: for as in nature no man becomes the son of another by imitating him, or by doing the things he does but either by birth, or by adoption; so in grace no man becomes a child of God by the works he does, as a follower of God, but by adopting grace; and which is discovered in regeneration. Christ's meaning is, that they might appear, and be known to be the children of God, by doing those things in which they resemble their heavenly Father; and which are agreeable to his nature and conduct; as the tree is known by its fruit, and the cause by its effect: for where adoption and regenerating grace take place, the fruit of good works is brought forth to the glory of God. Some copies, instead of "children", read "like": and accordingly, the Persic version renders it thus, "that ye may be like your Father, which is heaven". Our Lord seems to have respect to the Jews, often having in their mouths this expression, , "our Father which is in heaven"; and to their frequent boasting that they were the children of God; and therefore he would have them make this manifest by their being like him, or acting in imitation of him; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil, and on the good. Christ instances in one of the greatest blessings in nature, the sun, so useful to the earth, and so beneficial to mankind for light and heat; which he calls "his sun": his own, and not another's; which he has made, and maintains, orders to run its race, and commands it to rise morning by morning, and that upon good and bad men; one, as well as another; all equally share in, and partake of its benign influences, and enjoy the comfortable effects and blessings of it: and sendeth rain on the just and unjust; that is, on the fields of persons of such different characters, even both the early and the latter rain; which makes the earth fruitful, crowns it with goodness, and causes it to bring forth bread to the eater, and seed to the sower. This is one of the most considerable blessings of life; the gift of it is God's sole prerogative; it is peculiar to him; it is what none of the vanities of the Gentiles can give; and yet is bestowed by him on the most worthless and undeserving. This flows from that perfection of God, which the Cabbalists (u) call ""chesed, mercy", or benignity, to which it is essential to give largely to all, both "to the just and unjust".'' The Jews have a saying (x), that "greater is the day of rain, than the resurrection of the dead; for the resurrection of the dead is for the just; but rain is , "both for the just, and for the wicked":'' a way of speaking much like this here. They also used to praise God for rain, on this consideration, because it was given to unworthy persons. "(y) R. Jose Bar Jacob went to visit R. Joden of Magdala; whilst he was there, rain descended, and he heard his voice, saying, thousands of thousands, and millions of millions are bound to praise thy name, O our king, for every drop thou causest to descend upon us, , "because thou renderest good to the wicked".'' Now our Lord instances in things which could not be denied, and they themselves allowed; and makes use of their own words, to engage them to imitate God, whom they call their Father, by doing good to their enemies, and them that hated them, as well as to their friends and neighbours: yet sometimes they could scarcely allow, that the Gentiles had the same share in this divine favour with themselves; for they say (z), that "God works by way of miracle, that rain should not be wanting in his land, although it is wanting in the countries of the Heathen; as he says, Job 5:10 "who giveth rain on the earth", which is the land of Israel; for on that , "a great rain" descends, and "sendeth waters", "few (which is added to the text) upon the fields"; which relates to what is without the land, whereupon it does not descend, but the substance of the land of Israel; therefore he saith, the Lord will open to thee his good treasure, and not to others.'' (u) Sepher Shaar Hassamaim, Tract. 7. c. 12. p. 155. (x) T. Bab. Taanith, fol. 7. 1. (y) T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 14. 1. & Taanith, fol. 64. 2. (z) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 152. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:45 By loving all people, Jesus’ followers would not become children of God; they would show by their actions that they are indeed God’s true children, according to his nature and will (see Deut 10:18-19).