Lend, Love, and Give: Jesus' Radical Call in Matthew 5:42

In the Gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus delivering His profound teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, challenging the norms of His time and calling His followers to a higher standard of living. One of the verses that stands out in this discourse is:

"Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:42, NIV)

At first glance, this verse may seem like a simple instruction to be generous. But when we consider the cultural and historical context, we begin to see just how radical Jesus’ message was for His audience — and how it continues to challenge us today.

The Audience of Matthew's Gospel

Matthew’s Gospel was written primarily for a Jewish audience. As a former tax collector, Matthew was well-acquainted with the Jewish community's concerns and customs, as well as the political and social dynamics of the time. Tax collectors like Matthew were often viewed with disdain by their fellow Jews, as they were seen as collaborators with the oppressive Roman Empire. They were considered traitors, and their association with the Roman authorities made them outcasts in Jewish society.

This context is important because Matthew himself had experienced alienation and rejection. His decision to follow Jesus, leaving behind his former life, was a radical transformation that likely resonated with his audience, many of whom may have felt similarly marginalized or struggling with their own relationship to Jewish law and Roman occupation. For those early Jewish readers, Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus’ teachings would have been both familiar and revolutionary.

The Jewish community of Matthew’s time had a rich tradition of charity and justice, rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. The Torah commands care for the poor, the foreigner, and those in need. For example, Leviticus 19:18 says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." However, by the time of Jesus, these teachings were often limited to fellow Jews, while those outside the Jewish community — especially Romans or other enemies — were viewed with hostility.

Radical Generosity in a Hostile World

Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:42 to give to the one who asks and to not turn away from those who seek to borrow was a radical departure from the conventional thinking of the time. Many in Jesus’ audience would have found this teaching difficult to accept. The idea of giving without expectation — particularly to those who were seen as enemies or outsiders — was counter-cultural. In a world where reciprocity and loyalty to one's group were paramount, Jesus called His followers to a higher standard, one of unconditional generosity.

The phrase "love your neighbor" was often interpreted to mean love for fellow Jews, but Jesus extends this love even to enemies (for example. the parable of the good Samaritan). He expands the definition of neighbor and challenges His followers to see the image of God in everyone, even those who may have wronged them. This was a profound and often uncomfortable challenge for many in Matthew's audience, particularly those like the Zealots, a Jewish group that sought to overthrow Roman rule through violent resistance. For them, the idea of loving and giving to one’s enemy would have seemed like weakness or even betrayal.

Interestingly, one of the twelve disciples, Simon the Zealot, had been part of this revolutionary group. It’s striking that within Jesus’ own group of followers, there were individuals from vastly different walks of life — a tax collector who worked with the Roman Empire and a Zealot who opposed Roman rule with a fierce nationalist fervor. Jesus brought them together under the same mission of love and service, transcending political and social divisions.

Matthew's Personal Connection

Matthew, the author of this Gospel, knew firsthand what it felt like to be on the receiving end of judgment and rejection. As a tax collector, he would have been considered unclean by Jewish standards, an enemy of his own people. Yet, when Jesus called Matthew to follow Him, Matthew left everything behind to become one of His disciples. This radical act of grace, extended to someone considered a "sinner" by society, likely shaped Matthew's understanding of Jesus' message of compassion and generosity.

In this way, Matthew's Gospel is not just an account of Jesus' teachings but also a deeply personal reflection on the transformative power of grace. It’s no wonder that Matthew emphasizes Jesus' call to radical love and generosity — after all, he had experienced it firsthand. For Matthew's early readers, many of whom were Jews struggling with their identity under Roman occupation, this message would have been both challenging and encouraging. It reminded them that God's love and grace extended beyond national boundaries and cultural expectations.

A Call to Action for Us Today

So, what does this verse mean for us today? While the cultural context has changed, the heart of Jesus’ teaching remains the same. We are called to give freely and generously, not just of our money but also of our time, our energy, and our compassion.

In our modern context, this might mean supporting charitable organizations, offering our skills or time to help others, or simply being present for someone in need. The key is not turning away when faced with an opportunity to help, something that can be very difficult to do. Jesus' words remind us that generosity isn't just about meeting a need; it’s about cultivating a heart that reflects God’s own generosity toward us.

For me, as a Certified Kingdom Advisor®, this teaching resonates deeply. My background in engineering, where efficiency and logic were paramount, has shaped how I approach financial planning. Yet, when I began working in the financial world, I quickly learned that managing resources isn’t just about the numbers — it’s about people. It’s about stewarding the gifts God has given us in ways that honor Him and reflect His love for others.

In my own practice, I’ve often worked with clients who struggle with the balance between generosity and financial responsibility. How do we give freely while also managing what we’ve been entrusted with? Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:42 reminds us that true generosity comes from a heart aligned with God’s purposes. When we give, we trust that God will provide not only for the recipient but for the giver as well.

Conclusion

The call to give to those who ask is a call to live out the radical love and generosity that Jesus exemplified. It challenges us to go beyond societal norms and expectations, stepping into a life that reflects the heart of God. Whether it’s giving financially, offering our time, or extending kindness to those we might see as adversaries, Jesus’ teaching invites us to live with open hearts and open hands.

So now comes the hard part: How can I live out this call to generosity in my own life? Am I willing to give, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable? As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect His radical love, not only to those who are easy to love but to everyone — even our enemies.