I. Introduction
A. This is one of the most interesting and compelling passages in the entire Bible
B. What does this passage hold for us in instruction?
C. In applying the principles Jesus taught here—how do we live, what changes must we make?
D. This is all involved in studying about "going the extra mile"
II. "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth"
A. Three Old Testament passages outline this very old law...
1. (Exodus 21:22-5) Used as a guideline for judges to determine the punishment or restoration of one who has injured another
2. (Lev 24:15-21) Moses was commanded to tell the people that this would be God’s law for them
3. (Deut 19:16-21) Commanded as a law against the false witness who sought to do harm to another by lying--Again a guide to judges
B. Some features of this law as found in the Old Testament
1. It was intended to be used as a guideline to judges, to be used with wisdom and discretion--it was not always literally carried out
2. It was a limitation on the unlimited vengeance of a victim and his family--it limited the punishment to LIKE KIND
3. It was given as a deterrent to those who would defy laws of justice and lie or cheat to obtain their own ends
4. It was as much a law of mercy as of cruelty--it set down standards of just punishment
C. Some problems with misunderstanding of the law...
1. It could be taken as license for personal vengeance, though it was never stated as such in the Old Law
2. If always taken literally, it could be both unjust and cruel if applied completely and without mercy
3. It was the kind of law that people would try to construe to their own advantage, and no doubt often did
III. MAT 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
A. What does this mean, "resist not evil"?
1. This same word for "resist" here is found in these contexts:
a) (Acts 13:8) Elymas WITHSTOOD them and Paul opposed him
b) (Gal 2:11) Paul WITHSTOOD Peter to the face
c) (Eph 6:13) We are to be able to WITHSTAND in the evil day
d) (James 4:7) RESIST the Devil, and he will flee from you
e) (I Pet 5:9) RESIST stedfast in the faith
2. What Jesus is saying is not inconsistent with the rest of these scriptural teachings--it must be taken in context
3. One commentary makes the point that being struck on the face on the "right cheek" was description of the worst kind of insult
4. There is a difference between how we handle personal insult and how we handle evil which is directed against truth, or God’s will
B. Turning the other cheek...
1. LAM 3:30 He giveth {his} cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
a) In this context the prophet describes the contrite man, the one who is filled with humility and remorse
b) The only way a person could do this is if he was humble and self-controlled
2. Jesus then teaches us how to deal with personal insult--we learn in Him to be so unconcerned with SELF that we forget to be insulted--we humbly give up self to be HIS alone. We let vengeance be His and not ours
IV. MAT 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have {thy} cloak also.
A. (Exod 22:26-7) The cloak was an indispensable part of one’s clothing and was not to be borrowed or taken unless returned by nightfall
1. This means the cloak was far more important to a man than his coat.--Its owner had a legal right to keep it.
2. Jesus is saying if one takes the coat by suit, give him the coat also, which is more important.
B. What do we do about our "rights"?
1. Many people clamor about what "rights" they have, and often are ready to fight for the personal rights they feel they deserve
2. Without denying that such rights exist, and have been set up, in this case by God, yet Jesus teaches us not to stand on these rights or make demands based on them.
3. Many church members are ready to do harm or speak evil of those who have in some way infringed on something they perceive as being "their work" or "their place", etc.
These are the ones who know little about what Jesus teaches here
4. A concept of "rights" often is not based on a sense of justice as much as a sense of self-interest--This is what Jesus condemns
V. MAT 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
A. They were in a society in which military men often compelled them to serve in ways they may not have wanted to do (Matt 27:32) Simon carried Christ’s cross under such circumstances
B. What attitudes might be exhibited by those who would be forced under such circumstances to serve?
1. The person can do the very least of a minimum of what he must do to avoid punishment or rebuke, and try his best to do little
2. The person can make it clear that he absolutely hates every minute of the service, but still do the job as well as he has to to get by.
3. The person can count it a privilege, though unpleasant, to be of service, and work cheerfully and diligently even under adverse conditions, doing his very best
C. Jesus demanded his disciples adopt the third option.
1. (Eph 6:5-8) Singleness of heart, not with eye service, from the heart, doing the will of God, as unto the Lord
2. (Col 3:22-25) Do it heartily, as unto the Lord...
3. (I Pet 2:18-21) Christ’s suffering wrongfully shows how wrongful suffering glorifies God--obey even the evil master.
VI. Applications we should make:
A. Turning the other cheek...
1. Don’t feel insulted when no insult is intended...
a) There have been times when no insult was intended but the person who heard took issue with what was said
b) Some people can be easily insulted, while others are not.
What is the difference? PRIDE, SENSE OF SELF...
Jesus teaches us to DENY OURSELVES
2. When an insult IS intended, learn to practice self-control
a) To glorify God, we must behave like Christ did when harmed or wronged (I Pet 2:21-3) He returned no reviling, threatening
b) We must learn not to let SELF keep us from doing God’s will under these circumstances.
c) We are not free from constraint to do what we please.
B. Giving up the cloak...
1. If I have a right to be safe, why would I risk my safety to save the life of a child in danger? I DO NOT DEMAND THAT RIGHT.
2. If I have a right to a decent living for diligent work, why would I give up a lucrative job to preach the gospel where I knew I would render all for little material gain? BECAUSE I WOULD NOT DEMAND THAT RIGHT
3. If I have the right to keep the money I earn, why would I give generously to someone who is in need? BECAUSE I DO NOT DEMAND MY RIGHTS.
4. If I work hard and have the right to some relaxation in my free time, why would I use most of that time doing something for someone else? BECAUSE I DO NOT DEMAND MY RIGHTS.
C. Going the extra mile...
1. Could people tell by the way I work that I really didn’t want to come to work today?
2. Would people listening to me get the impression that my boss has never had any sense, and that I am forced to work long hours on tedious projects with little help or appreciation?
3. Is there a big difference in the enthusiasm I put into my recreation and the enthusiasm I put into my work?
4. Could I honestly say I have done my best, even when compelled to do things I found to be boring or uninteresting to me?
5. Am I a willing and cheerful worker, no matter how grim the task?
VII. Conclusion
A. Are you a disciple of Christ today? Are you a faithful Christian?
B. There are some great responsibilities in this life, but there are also great rewards.
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