THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (part twelve)
Matt. 5:38-42
Jane Vajnar writes the story about her friend's four young boys. They were always full of energy; even in church. But the sermon her minister preached on turning the other cheek got their undivided attention. The minister stressed that no matter what others do to us, we should never try to get even.
That afternoon the youngest boy came into the house crying. Between sobs he told his mother he had kicked one of his brothers, who had kicked him back in return. "I'm sorry that happened", she said, "But you shouldn't go around kicking people." The tearful child replied, "But Mom, the preacher said he wasn't supposed to kick me back!"
I'm sure Mom took the time to clarify things to him. Jesus had to do this. Throughout the sermon on the mount, Jesus clarified misconceptions. He explained the deeper implications of the law and broadened their understanding so they could conduct themselves according to God's intentions. Today, Jesus does this regarding retaliation.
1) "I'll get you for this!"
You've heard the phrase, "don't get mad; get even"? Many people live by this. Actually, probably more people live by the "get mad and even" rule. This is the problem that Jesus is addressing in our text today.
Matt. 5:38-42, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
The, 'eye for eye' thing refers to instructions about retaliation and compensation. When these were implemented by God to Moses, it was for public matters to be taken from the hands of the people and put into the hands of the magistrates; to prevent abuse and excessiveness.
From the Albert Barnes Commentary, "This command is found in Ex 21:24; Le 24:20; De 19:21. In these places it was given as a rule to regulate the decisions of judges. They were to take eye for eye and tooth for tooth. As a judicial rule it is not unjust. Christ finds no fault with the rule as applied to magistrates, and does not take upon himself to repeal it.
But, instead of confining it to magistrates, the Jews had extended it to private conduct, and made it the rule by which to take revenge. They considered themselves justified, by this rule, to inflict the same injury on others that they had received. Against this our Savior declares that the law had no reference to private revenge; that it was given only to regulate the magistrate; and that their private conduct was to be regulated by different principles.
The general principle which he laid down was, that we are not to resist evil; that is, as it is in the Greek, not to set ourselves against an evil person who is injuring us. But even this general direction is not to be pressed too strictly. Christ did not intend to teach that we are to see our families murdered, or to be murdered ourselves, rather than to make resistance. The law of nature, and all laws, human and Divine, have justified self-defense, when life is in danger."
The 'eye for an eye' rule was meant for authority figures when the matter was brought before them; not for the private citizen to enact his own justice; except when it had to do with self-defense. Jesus goes a step further to encourage not only a resistance to retaliation but a bestowal of blessing to the offender. Let's look at the three scriptures cited concerning the 'eye for an eye' rule.
Exodus 21:22-25, “If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise."
We see that compensation was to be in the hands of the authorities. With such a sensitive subject we can see how a husband could become enraged and take matters into his own hands. So God implements fair and rational rules in such emotionally charged cases.
Lev. 24:19-20, "If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured."
But what if it was an accident? In this case, different rules applied. The scriptures state that when this happens the person is allowed to go into hiding so they wouldn't be pursued and killed by someone seeking vengeance for the accidentally killed person.
But these verses in Lev. teach the importance of self-control. If the 'eye for an eye' rule wasn't taken into consideration you'd have people doing whatever they wished to each other when they got angry with no legal consequences. The law would be instituted with everyone's full knowledge that if you want to let your emotions get out of control you will be held accountable for your actions. Without this command, the land would be chaotic and out of control. You could end up with a very limited population if the rule of the land was an 'anything goes' system of justice. No boundaries; no structure; no discipline...no peace.
Deut. 19:18-21, "The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against his brother, then do to him as he intended to do to his brother. You must purge the evil from among you. The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot."
Again, we see God putting the matter in the judges hands. Let the judicial authorities decide. And we see one of the purposes for implementing this is to deter others from doing things that will incite strict consequences. I'll think twice before daring to try to get away with offenses that will cause me to suffer likewise.
When you look at these verses compared to Jesus' words in Matthew, it may seem as if Jesus is going against God's rules. But the problem was, the 'eye for an eye' rule came to be taken as an automatic cause for revenge. Although the intent in the rule was so no one went beyond the specific offense, unfortunately, it seems that's what was happening.
Adam Clarke's commentary, "It seems that the Jews had made this law (the execution of which belonged to the civil magistrate) a ground for authorizing private resentments, and all the excesses committed by a vindictive spirit. Revenge was often carried to the utmost extremity, and more evil returned than what had been received. The Jews always thought that every outrage should be resented; and thus the spirit of hatred and strife was fostered."
"You took my eye, I'm taking both of yours in return." Isn't that our human nature? We don't just want to get even; we want to get one up on. Eye for an eye was put in place to prevent that. But, since this wasn't being followed, Jesus set things straight and actually took it a step further. Jesus took the revenge factor away from the victim and placed it where it was supposed to be-in the hands of the officials.
Then, he goes further by stating that the lesser matters don't need the officials at all but rather they should be overlooked and even responded to with blessing. The more serious matters shouldn't be overlooked but there are others that should be. Justice for heinous crimes; mercy for minor ones. Love is the only matter we take into our own hands.
2) Don't get even; get spiritual.
Jesus encourages that although you may be entitled to compensation, that doesn't mean you need to enforce it. If a person did wrong they can be held responsible but there needed to be room for grace, too. This is what Jesus is trying to communicate. Getting compensation is not wrong but you can go above and beyond when you actually bless the person who wronged you.
Automatic retaliation leaves no room for mercy; depending on the circumstances. Perhaps the person who was selfish or devious should have to incur consequences when they steal something but what about the man who steals bread for his starving family? Not all crimes are created equal. Not that they should be condoned, just better understood.
The normal thing would be to extract what was due. The above normal thing would be to not only resist demanding to be compensated, but to bless instead. Don't demand payment for the bread, give it to him and on top of that, give him some other groceries too. Doing that would stand out and draw attention. Let's look at the examples Jesus gives.
"Turn the other cheek". So we should just let someone pound our face in? No, that's not what Jesus is saying. It's about resisting retaliation; like what Jesus did when he was arrested.
John 18:22-23, "When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” he demanded. “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”
Jesus didn't strike back, he responded with control and logic. When someone mistreats us, our instinctive reaction will be to retaliate but Jesus want us to control ourselves and respond accordingly. However, if someone was repeatedly hitting us we would be within our rights to defend ourselves from further harm. But even then, our purpose should not be to turn around and pummel him but rather to subdue him and quiet the threat.
Consider the example of Richard Weaver. He was a Christian and wanted to lead his co-workers to Christ. One of them hated him for it. “I’m sick of your constant preaching. I’ve a good mind to punch you in the face!” “Go ahead, if it'll make you feel better,” Weaver replied. The man punched him! Weaver didn't retaliate but instead, he turned the other cheek. So, the man punched him again! Then he walked away, cursing under his breath. The next morning, Weaver came to work and continued to preach the gospel. Everyone wondered what would happen when the man who hit Weaver came over. But Weaver's reactions had registered with him and instead of causing more trouble, he actually listened to what Weaver had to say.
That's the ultimate reason to allow ourselves to be mistreated. When we show ourselves to be abnormal in our responses we give the offender an opportunity to think about what they're doing and hopefully come under conviction. Once that happens the door is opened for them to respond to the gospel.
Rom. 12:17-21, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Notice that Paul encourages us to put the matter in God's hands and allow him to take care of it. If we don't hand it over to the officials we need to hand it over to God. Either way we remove ourselves from vengeance and let God handle it. We let God institute his brand of justice instead of enacting our own. In our human nature we react in anger and emotion, taking more than what was taken from us.
Not only should our desire for revenge be stilled, but mercy needs to be implemented instead. Doing this will heap burning coals on their head. Not in a vengeful way, obviously, but this represents a conviction and change of heart they come under as a result of our holy example. When we stay under control and don't retaliate; when we respond with blessing rather than revenge, we set the stage for our enemy to think about their actions and come to regret them. Because they see Jesus in us they are now open to hearing about Jesus from us.
"Let him have your cloak as well". The tunic was the lesser undergarment while the cloak was the more valuable outer garment. Fourfold gospel commentary, "The creditor was not allowed to retain the cloak over night, even when it was given to him as a pledge from the poor, because it was used for a bed-covering (Ex. 22:26-27). The idea therefore is, 'Be ready to give up even that which by law cannot be taken'."
Jesus is saying, 'if someone wants something from you, respond by giving him that and something even greater'. "If someone wants your shirt, give him your coat too!" This sounds like Jesus wants us to reward someone's greed. No, Jesus wants us to do what we can to settle things peaceably. He wants us to put those burning coals on the other person which will hopefully lead to an end in any strife and produce peace.
Notice Jesus says, "if someone wants to sue you". This implies that my godly response can keep it from escalating and ending up in the courts. Jesus would want me to suffer the loss rather than allow the case with my fellow man be dragged into the pagan court system.
Paul addressed this issue in 1st Cor. 6:6-7, "But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?"
Paul is highlighting Jesus' point. What is more valuable-the material thing or the spiritual thing? What's more important-winning your case or setting a godly example and establishing love? If someone wants to sue you, don't fight, bless. Settle the matter so the devil doesn't gain a foothold and cause discord and divisions among you.
"If you're forced to go one mile; go two". You know the phrase, 'go the extra mile'? This is where it comes from. Since the Jews were under Roman rule, sometimes they would be forced to do a Roman official's bidding; like when Simon of Cyrene was forced to help Jesus carry his cross. Jesus is saying although you may resent being forced to do something, go the extra mile.
Today it would be like your boss asking you to do something you don't want to do and you not only do it, you go above and beyond and do more than what was asked. Don't do the bare minimum. Husbands, when your wives give you that 'honey-do' list, don't just do what's on the list, do some things that are not on the list.
When a friend asks for our help, we not only help them, we ask if there's more we can do. This goes for all aspects of our lives; especially our relationship with God. Instead of having the attitude, 'what's the least I can do', let's have the attitude of, 'how much more could I do'. This shows care, concern, thoughtfulness and love.
"Give to the one who asks you". Does this mean just keep giving until I have nothing left? Does this mean just keep giving to the same person who keeps coming to me over and over? No. It's not conducive to their overall well being to do this. Plus, if we gave everything away we wouldn't be good stewards. We have the responsibility to take care of ourselves and our families (1st Tim. 5:8).
So, give within reason. It's about having the spirit of generosity. I'm sure for the most part we don't have the problem of giving too much; our issue is that we give too little. It's typically easier to reject the one asking than to be compelled to give. So Jesus wants us to be more generous.
"Don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you". Notice Jesus uses the word borrow. So this isn't just about giving, it's about lending as well. We don't have to think if someone asks for something I need to just give it away. Sometimes we should, but not always. There are times when it's in one's best interest to lend.
This way, it helps the person to be more responsible. Instead of just continuing to take, they take on the responsibility of giving it back. And this helps the lender because when they pay it back it will be there for the next person. And in some cases, it would be better to not give or lend but to employ the person's services so they could earn it, giving them a sense of satisfaction and expelling any degree of laziness or entitlement.
This is also about not taking advantage of people. When a Jew borrowed from another Jew, they weren't allowed to charge interest. We might be tempted to charge someone interest. "Sure, I'll lend you $20 but you need to pay back $25". Banks charge interest but Christians shouldn't. We don't have to worry if someone takes advantage of us. Prov. 20:22, "Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." If we get taken advantage of God will deal with them and he will take care of us.
When we look at what Jesus encourages us to do in these verses in Matthew 5 they seem incomprehensible. Obviously, what Jesus asks is impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit enabling us to do it. Jesus wants us to not only resist compensation but go beyond that and bless the offender. This would definitely be one of those "let your light shine" actions. Some will think we're a fool but others will be intrigued and want to know why we would do that.
In Luke's version of our text in Matthew 5, you find the golden rule. That's at the heart of what Jesus is saying; do to others as you would have them do to you. Too often we live by the, 'do unto others as they do unto you' rule. There's no blessing in that. There's no peace, no harmony; no love.
1st Pet. 3:8-9, "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." When we seek revenge we think we're getting something in return but are we really? There's no blessing in retaliation but there is in mercy, grace, forgiveness and love.
