Matthew 7:12 – So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Who was Jesus’ audience when he gave what we refer to as the Sermon on the Mount? Probably many locals, sure, but travelers as well, most likely, and it probably happened early in His ministry. The Gospel of Matthew lays out much of this message in at least three chapters, so there is a lot to think about. But this one verse – how can it possibly sum up all of the law and the prophets in just this handful of words? How we treat others, especially without expectations of return on our investment, shows quite clearly what is inside us. Why do we do what we do? For friends and family it’s generally easiest to reach out a helping hand when needed. But what about strangers and those who have sought to think and do nothing for us or about us? Yes, for them, too, especially. You see, some have never known Christ and some who claim to know Him have no idea what He was about. Jesus’ ministry was all about sacrifice because it was needed and not because He would gain something in return. Since His sacrifice is so very much more than most of us will ever be asked to give, how can we ever deny doing for others in any way, whether great or small? Jesus was never about ego. We know from His life and death that it takes much more of a person to give it all. And we know from Christ’s resurrection that, in the end, it will be worth it all.
