Thursday 04 August 2016
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you." (vv. 38-42)
Psalm: Psalm 128
Background
The passage is near the end of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthewchapters 5-7), the summary of Jesus' teaching that sketches a 'newkind of righteousness' fit for those within God's kingdom community(Matthew 5:20).This passage and tomorrows each reflect the same structure: "Youhave heard it was said ... But I say to you ..." (vv. 38-39,43-44). Jesus is here offering a different kind of ethic, one thatundercuts popular interpretations of the law (though not the lawitself, as Jesus makes clear in
Jesus calls his followers away from violent retaliation,encouraging a willingness to give to those who might even beagainst you. Some scholars propose that Jesus is addressing thequestion of how to respond to Roman oppressors in the land, thougheven if this is the case the principle he enunciates is intendedfor broader application. Don't seek vengeance, Jesus advises, buttreat those who oppress you with kindness.
The chapter ends with the call to "Be perfect ... as yourheavenly Father is perfect" (
To Ponder
- In what ways can we learn to avoid 'retaliation' and insteadbless others?
- What do you think Jesus means by his call to "Beperfect"?