Part Two: Walking That Extra Mile

Part Two: Walking That Extra Mile

Matthew 5:38-48

It was a sweltering August day in 1937 when the Cohen brothers entered the posh Dearborn, Michigan, offices of Henry Ford, the car maker. "Mr. Ford," announced Norman Cohen, the eldest of the three. "We have a remarkable invention that will revolutionize the automobile industry."

Ford was skeptical, but he was interested. "We would like to demonstrate it to you in person." They brought Mr. Ford outside and asked him to enter a black automobile parked in front of the building.

Hyman Cohen, the middle brother, opened the door of the car.

"Please step inside, Mr. Ford."

"What!" shouted the tycoon, "Are you crazy? It must be 200 degrees in that car!"

"It is," smiled brother, Max, "but sit down Mr. Ford, push the white button."

Ford pushed the button. All of a sudden a whoosh of freezing air started blowing from vents all around the car, and within seconds the automobile was not only comfortable, it was quite cool.

"This is amazing!" exclaimed Ford. "How much do you want for the patent?"

Norman spoke up, "The price is one million dollars, but there is something else: The name 'Cohen Brothers Air-Conditioning' must be stamped next to the Ford logo!"

"Money is no problem," retorted Ford, "but no way will I have a Jewish name next to my logo on my cars!'

They haggled and compromised, the Cohens' name would be left off. However, their first names would be forever emblazoned upon the Ford console in AC vehicles.

And that is why, even today, you will see those three names clearly printed on the air conditioning control panel: NORM, HI and MAX. [www.nopes.com].

• I think Mr. Ford forgot that Jesus was Jewish, and also a rabbi, besides Messiah and Son of God.

MAIN THOUGHT: As a Rabbi, Jesus was interpreting and applying teachings from the Torah for His followers, addressing issues that were in rabbinic debate in this era. His teachings, understood correctly, do not contradict the rest of Scripture. Our eleven-minute summary of His hours-long teaching time needs to be unpacked so we can properly apply it today.

I. Be Reasonably GENEROUS With Grace (38-42) [Review]

This first point is a summary of last week’s sermon.

A. Accept insults by GRACIOUSLY giving people some space to fail (38-39).

B. Accept modest loss to AVOID litigation.

C. Graciously but modestly go BEYOND minimal requirements.

We practice grace within boundaries. Turn other cheek, once. We walk an extra mile, not 10.

D. Practice RESPONSIBLE generosity.

II. Be STINGY With Hatred, Generous with Love (43-48).

A. Hatred and love can CO-EXIST.

1. Of God, Psalm 5:5, “The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.”

2. Love chooses to love despite hate, thus it overcomes hatred.

3. Not all forms of love are the same. The secret has nothing to do with the Greek word, but the context

B. Loving an enemy means choosing to OVERRIDE our negative feelings.

1. When we are in conflict with another, whatever we can do to show respect to that person improves the relationship.

2. The Ben Franklin Effect: Franklin borrowed a book from someone who disliked him. Generally, if you ask someone who dislikes you for a simple favor, this will improve the relationship.

3. Family estrangements are cases in points. You have to aim to make things better and try to take baby steps toward reconciliation by making gestures that show respect to those who are alienated.

4. Sometimes that means admitting ones faults without demanding or expecting the other party to do the same. It takes a decision to be humble and maybe quiet.

C. This love is the love of DUTY, not feeling.

Exodus 23:4-5, “If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall bring it back to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying down under its burden, you shall refrain from leaving him with it; you shall rescue it with him.”

Romans 12:18-21, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ’Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

1. God is good to all, and we need to work at getting along when we can.

2. Romans 12:18 is concise: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

D. Making a point of GREETING others (46-47).

1. Ever been in hurry at the store, see someone you know, hoping they didn’t see you? Not wrong.