Retaliation Series

Retaliation | Matthew 5:31-42

v.38: An eye for an eye.

• The “Lex Talionis” = the law of retaliation. An eye for an eye = the punishment for a crime needed to be equal to the seriousness of the crime. It also protected the offender from paying a greater price.

[The Way of Jesus]

v. 39: “…But I say to you…

• Jesus teaches us to replace the law with an attitude: Be willing to suffer loss rather than cause another to suffer.

• Then Jesus tells us we can expect to encounter (4) different types of “evil people.”

v. 39b “…if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

• We can expect to encounter those who are rude, insulting and abusive.

• Jesus calls us to give up our Pride!

v.40: if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.”

• We can expect to encounter those who will persecute and prosecute us

• Jesus calls us to give up our Possessions!

v.41: If anyone forces you to go a mile, go with him two miles.

• Expect to encounter those who will take advantage of you.

• Romans soldiers were permitted to demand Israel carry items for them up to a mile (which the Shabbat allowed).

• Jesus calls us to be humble.

v. 42: Give to the one who begs and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

• Expect to encounter those who are takers.

• Jesus calls us to be Generous (time / talent / treasure).

Return Positive for Negative!

• When we respond in these ways: we give up pride, possessions, we do more than what is asked and we live generous we are placing our faith in God and we are trusting God to take care of us.

• We are blessed to be a blessing. Think of NT churches, some churches would be better off and would be encouraged to give to other churches that were suffering, and the cycle would continue. ((Think of the house you just bought, you paid the closing costs, the survey, the inspection and home insurance). In Lubbock, the seller paid for those.

• All of this together is to teach us to restrain ourselves first but also deal with the reaction of your offender to your reaction. It is about reaching out to your offender. It is about making an impact on them and in showing love, in giving grace, we open the doors/possibility of them receiving the gospel message.

• The Gates of Splendor – 1957, Elisabeth Elliot’s missionary journey to reach the Huanorani Tribe of Easter Ecuador in South America.