Why is it that, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus taught as though he wanted us to become perfect?

The Gospel of Matthew is one of the four canonical gospels of the New Testament, which tells the story of Jesus Christ and his teachings. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is portrayed as a teacher who urges his followers to strive for perfection in their faith and actions.

One of the reasons why Jesus taught as though he wanted us to become perfect is because he believed that true righteousness and holiness come from a heart that is fully committed to God. In Matthew 5:48, Jesus says, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." This statement is often interpreted as a call to strive for moral and spiritual perfection, to be like God in our actions and attitudes.

At the same time, Jesus recognized that perfection is a difficult goal to achieve, and that even the most devout and committed believers will fall short. In Matthew 26:41, he tells his disciples, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." This passage highlights the tension between our spiritual aspirations and our human limitations, and encourages us to rely on God's strength and guidance in our pursuit of perfection.

Another reason why Jesus taught as though he wanted us to become perfect is because he saw the importance of setting a high standard for morality and behavior. In Matthew 5, Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, in which he outlines a series of ethical teachings that challenge his followers to go beyond the letter of the law and embrace a higher standard of righteousness. By setting this high standard, Jesus hoped to inspire his followers to strive for excellence in their faith and actions, and to avoid the pitfalls of mediocrity and complacency.