With this phrase, Jesus alludes to several Old Testament passages in which a similar statement is made (Leviticus 11:44–45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:26; Deuteronomy 18:13). Perfection is an absolute and total commitment to God (Psalm 15:2; Psalm 84:11), a striving for moral excellence. 1 In the context of Jesus’ sermon, it is full allegiance to the Mosaic law as it has been interpreted by Jesus. 2 Kingdom citizens are to make it their aim to be perfect as God the Father is perfect, to relate to fellow believers and others in their community with mercy and love. 3 God himself, not society, 4 is the standard for Christian morality. 5
48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.