Bible Study Notes 3/10/2026

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ^©2026

Journey To Bethlehem and Beyond –

Post Advent / Winter Series

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Max Lucado, Because of Bethlehem:

Love Is Born, Hope Is Here, 2020

Lesson 12

10 March 2026

Matthew 5:38-48, NLT: This lesson highlights some of the most radical teachings of Jesus. As His followers, we are called to act “counter-cultural,” the opposite of what the world sets as standards to live by. The teachings are controversial, only because they challenge us to conduct ourselves in a manner that’s not always popular. We are to face the unjust in a nonviolent manner. We are to refrain from retaliating against those who harm us. We are directed to love our enemies and seek to reconciliation with them. In doing so, we model our Savior Jesus and the Heavenly Father. As we model the Lord, we will become more mature, and develop wholeness in every aspect of life. What Jesus describes is not merely passive, but it is “strong resistance” to dealing with others in an oppressive manner they might deal with us. We are more like our Lord and Savior when we follow both His teachings and His example. Living as Jesus has taught us is not always easy, but it is possible and necessary in an evil world! The strength of our non-resistance to evil can change the world.

Verses & Explanations for Matthew 5:38-48, NLT:

Observe     Interpret     Apply

(Verses 38-39): An Alternative to Retribution.

³⁸ “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’  ³⁹   But I say do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.

(Verse 40-42): Return More Than What Is Taken

⁴⁰ If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too. ⁴¹ If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. ⁴² Give to those who ask and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

(Verse 43-44): Living by A Bold Christian Ethic.

⁴³ You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say, love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you!

(Verse 45): Reflecting God’s Love in How We Live.

⁴⁵ In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

(Verses 46-47): We Must Live by a Higher Standard.

⁴⁶ If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. ⁴⁷ If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.

(Verses 48): We are Called to a Mature Life in Christ Jesus.

⁴⁸ But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Further Scripture Reading:

Luke 6:27-28, NLT

²⁷ But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. ²⁸ Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”

Matthew 5:20, NLT

²⁰ “But I warn you - unless your righteousness is better than [exceeds] the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Ephesians 6:12, NLT

¹² “For we are not fighting against flesh- and- blood enemies, but against rulers and authorities of the unsees world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in heavenly places.”

The Key Idea

What We Believe!    

1. “Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!” – Psalm 119:105