The Different Way Of The Beloved

Rev. Joel St. Clair
Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus gives us a series of Antitheses — you have heard it said… but I say to you. In this, Jesus challenges his disciples to extend love beyond the superficial toward a costly love that reflects his love for us.

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About the Series

In the baptism of Jesus, his ministry is inaugurated. But the way in which it is announced matters for at least a few reasons. First, we see the working out of God’s plan (heavens opening up, dove descending, voice from heaven). And second, we hear the pronouncement, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” There are connections here with the regal status of Jesus (e.g. Psalm 2 echo; OT king of Israel as the son of God). Here is a king who came to serve and give his life. And this impacts our status as the beloved.

This truth is also invitational, a wonderful way to show our neighbors what we long for them to enjoy by faith in Christ. We still think of ourselves in estrangement from Christ. This is the source of shame, self-hatred, insecurity, a disoriented inner life. It’s from this place that we try to make our own rules or search out our own path to identity. But that’s not the path Jesus has for us. He invites us in and directs us how to follow in his footsteps – to live as the beloved!