King Ahab and his wife Jezebel had stolen a vine-yard belonging to Naboth and had arranged his murder. The Lord had told Elijah to confront Ahab about killing Naboth and taking his land.

When Elijah told Ahab what the Lord planned to do to punish him for his evil actions, Ahab was fright-ened. One of the worst punishments would be to die without a proper burial place. Ahab repented - he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted.

In spite of all the evil Ahab had done, because he humbled himself, the Lord decided not to follow through with the punishment but to show him mercy.

Jesus was again referring to the Old Testament laws but was expanding them. Rather than just loving their neighbours, Jesus was telling the people that they should extend the same love to their enemies. They were also told to pray for their persecutors - persecu-tion was a harsh reality in those days. Jesus was asking the people of his day, and he is asking us to do more than what is the norm of the day. If we are to be faithful disciples, we must go the extra mile and be holy.