A Word Concerning Confrontation Series

A Word Concerning Confrontation

Matthew 5: 38-42

As we continue our study in the Sermon on the Mount, we come to a passage that we all have heard a portion of quoted many times in our lives: An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. This is often quoted in anger, or in a desire to repay a wrong one has experienced.

Clearly those who seek to use this verse as a means to satisfy their vindictive spirit are not within the will of God. Jesus lived among a society that had taken this commandment, given in the law of God, to justify their retribution upon others. No doubt Jesus had witnessed the injustice of many who suffered at the hands of those who sought to use God’s Word as the premise for their anger and retribution.

Whether we like to admit it or not, most of us have, at some point, desired to get even with those who have wronged us. There is something within our human nature that desires to “return the favor.” As we will discover, those attitudes and actions are contrary to what the Lord desires of us. I want to take consider the motives Jesus dealt with as we think on: A Word Concerning Confrontation.

I. The Commandment of the Law (38) – Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: As with many of His previous thoughts, Jesus once again spoke of that which they had heard and held to be true. This was in fact given to Moses among the many commandments God gave to Israel. Let’s look at this commandment a bit closer. Notice:

A. The Context of the Command – As with much He addressed in previous verses, this too was not being considered in its proper context. There can be no doubt that it was recorded in Scripture. In fact, it is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. Ex.21:24 – Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Lev.24:20 – Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again. Deut.19:21 – And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

This command is mentioned in Scripture, given of the Lord, but it must be considered within its context. Each time that it is mentioned, it is given in the context of judicial law. It was not given or reserved for individual use or justice. Those who administered the law could pass judgment and exact retribution, but it was not given for the people to exact judgment in and of themselves. It was given as a guideline for the judges when considering proper judgment.

B. The Corruption of the Command – As is always the case, when Scripture is taken out of context, it results in corruption. Apparently, many among the Jews were using their interpretation of this command to exact judgment and retribution. What would be the reasoning for such corruption? I am sure that it came about for reasons that remain today. Consider:

1. Appeasement – Surely there were those that had genuinely suffered injustice at the hands of another. They had suffered in the flesh, whether it was physical or emotional injustice, and the flesh desired to be vindicated. I am sure that we can all relate to that. There is something within us that desires those who have wronged us to suffer for their wrongs. Society views those who refuse to defend themselves as weak.

As long as we live in a body of flesh that desire will remain, but as we will discover in a moment, it is not pleasing to the Lord. The judicial system has the right and authority to exact judgment, but God’s people should never seek revenge.

2. Approval – As we consider the context of this passage, we know Jesus was speaking to those in authority. Surely there were those who exacted judgment because they knew society expected it. They knew people demanded justice, even if it wasn’t proper justice. Apparently, the Jewish leadership had condoned this injustice to please the people.

Would you not agree that we are seeing that in abundance in our day? Many have no concern for what God’s Word says about a particular matter; most are more concerned with pleasing people and maintaining their influence among society. God’s Word ought to define who we are and how we behave in society!

II. The Clarification of the Law (39a) – But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: As we’ve grown accustomed to hearing, Jesus spoke further to that which they had heard and held dear. I want to mention a couple of things about His statement. Notice: