Summary

Here Jesus uses three expressions (loving enemies, doing good, and lending money) to say that there should be a contrast between his disciples and “sinners.” The first word in the verse (“but,” sometimes translated “no”) highlights this contrast. The first part of this verse, in summary, repeats what has been said in the previous verses and is also introductory to what follows: “without despairing about anything” (in line with the ASV translation). This should not be understood as, “without expecting anything in return/without hoping for anything in return” for “despair” (and not expect) is the first meaning of the verb used here. Not despairing also fits well with the sequel, because if you become poorer as a result of your actions here this is not a bad thing, because you will be richly rewarded for it.

Most translations then continue with, and you will be children. However, the word and can also be seen as a colon, which means that the reward is you will be a child of the Most High. This reward is not to be understood merely eschatologically (in the future), because Jesus actually says, If you do so and so, people will see that you are children of the Most High. This is not just something of the perfect kingdom of peace in the future. The call to do good toward people who hate you out of received grace is motivated once more by the actions of God. He is good to those who are ungrateful and malicious—that is, for all people, without distinction. The disciples of Jesus must also be like this, especially for those who make life difficult for these disciples.