“In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.”
— Matthew 7:12
Let’s consider this whole passage.
“For this is (the essence or summation)” comes from the similar meaning as “now and forever,” i.e. eternally. The verb “is” is time inclusive, present indicative. It has timeless implications. Jesus used it in calling Himself, “I AM.” It speaks of His eternity and self-existent self.
So, the teaching of this verse, “do to others as you want them to do to you,” is a timeless command that Jesus used to sum up the previous eleven verses in His Sermon on the Mount and to sum up God’s command about caring for all creation, including human life. This command didn’t go away when the Old Testament period ended or when Jesus ascended to heaven or when the modern or post-modern times began.
This verse, verse twelve, sums up the previous eleven verses.
*Don’t judge other people. (Vs 1-5)
*Don’t continue to teach God’s truths
to people who continue to malign
and curse you and what you teach.
“Don’t throw pearls to swine.” (Vs 6)
They will only continue to twist
God’s truths, curse them, and/or
speak derisively about them. Obey
God then let Him work in the
person’s heart.
*Don’t ignore someone when they
seek you, ask for your help, and or
plead for something from you.
Just as when you ask of something
from God, seek Him, and knock on
His door to visit with or beseech Him
and He responds by providing,
opening His door to you, and
listening, so you do to others. (Vs 7-
8). But remember about pearls and
swine.
*Don’t give what won’t fill the need for
what they asked. For example, fry
beans to a homeless person, who
has no stove, will not give him food
to eat. It would be the equivalent of
stones in his stomach. Giving fruit,
vegetables, or meat that is starting
to spoil or is spoiled is just as
dangerous as giving a snake
instead of a fish to eat.
In all these instances, do as you want to be done to you. It’s a timeless command, as timeless as Jesus and His love. It never goes away. It’s based on love and care for humanity, the pinnacle of God’s creation. Jesus came to earth because of His love for all people, a love that fed, healed, taught, forgave, and died for them.
Jesus taught His disciples to follow His example. And, the base of it is love for all people. Do as Jesus did and does and will do for you. Do to others what you want them to do to you—love them in action and word and in truth. Teach. Feed. Pray over. Forgive. Help. With the means God has given to you, do to others as He has done for you.
