What do you do when someone humiliates you? What do you do when someone takes something that belongs to you? What do you do when an authority forces you to do something you don’t want to do? In this week’s passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses very practical questions related to our everyday slights and aggravations.
Remember that so far in this chapter, Jesus is teaching that God doesn’t just look at our actions, but at our hearts. He’s not focused on the letter of the law, but the spirit of the law. God’s standard is perfect righteousness, which we can never attain on our own. The church is not a “good people’s club,” but those who know they are sinners in need of God’s forgiveness and grace.
In the past several sections, Jesus has spoken about sins that we may be tempted to indulge—anger, lust, unjust divorce, and lying. In each case, the standard goes above and beyond the law and reveals the attitudes of our hearts. But is it any different when it’s people around us who are instigating the challenges we face? We live in a wicked and lawless world, and that creates difficulties for those who desire to follow Christ. Once again Jesus raises a higher standard.
An Eye for An Eye
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’” (v. 38).
This was the common rule, and is quoted multiple times in the Old Testament (Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21). Most cultures and people would probably agree that this is a fair and appropriate retribution for injury done. But this is not a Christian value. We are not supposed to stop at fairness, but to be gracious to others.
Turn the Other Cheek
“But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (v. 39).
While Jesus affirms that there are evil people in the world, His advice seems counterintuitive to us. A slap in the face is not meant to cause physical harm. It is a form of humiliation and is socially damaging. Today this might look more like demeaning speech, social media attacks, gossip, or slander. Rather than attacking in return, we are to remain gracious and let it go. Though the world feels a need to protect one’s image, we don’t have to.
Go Above and Beyond
“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well” (v. 40).
The ancient law allowed a person to take a person’s shirt in a settlement, but they could not take the cloak that was needed to keep them warm. But Jesus says to give them both. Most of us probably aren’t facing lawsuits, but sometimes we do lose to those who steal or take advantage of us. Rather than getting what we think we deserve, we are to give above and beyond what seems reasonable. Though the world does all it can to guard possessions, we don’t need to do so.
Go the Extra Mile
“And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (v. 41).
The Roman military in Israel were allowed to force citizens to help them carry the troop’s good for one mile, but not beyond that. Jesus says go ahead and go a second mile voluntarily and without grumbling. While the world resists the demands of authorities, we don’t have to.
Give to Beggars and Borrowers
“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you” (v. 42).
Jesus closes this section with a more general principle to give to those who need. In the examples He has given, it might look like Christians are called to be doormats and victims. Does this kind of response lead to more abuse, crime, and poverty? Is retaliation or resistance always wrong? Remember that Jesus is not stating a new law, but giving a deeper application to the attitude of our hearts. We are not to be known as people who retaliate and fight for their rights, but as those who are gracious in the face of the world’s attacks and abuse. This is not about earning our salvation, but relying on our Lord and Savior to help us forgive those who hurt us and love those who hate us.
In Philippians 2:1-8 we see the perfect example of Jesus. He humbled Himself completely, even allowing Himself to be crucified, all out of love for us so that we might be forgiven and transformed into His likeness. Through His indwelling Spirit we too can “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (v. 3). Apart from Christ, we will often be inclined to put our own reputation, possessions, and interests ahead of others, but Christ enables us to love others as He has loved us.
“For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps” (1 Pet. 2:19-21, see also 1 Pet. 3:8-17).
Discussion Questions
1) What situations tend to make you defensive of your reputation or property? What makes you desire revenge? Are you learning to respond with love and grace instead?
2) Consider Jesus’ actions in the following passages. How might this help us answer the question “What would Jesus do?” -John 8:1-11; Matthew 25:31-36; Matthew 21:12-17; Isaiah 53; Philippians 2.
3) What can we learn from Paul’s teaching in these verses: Romans 12:9-21; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, 12-13; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8; 1 Corinthians 7:20-24; 1 Corinthians 9.
