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We are continuing our series on the teachings of Jesus that actually shocked his hearers. These teachings are found in Matthew chapter 5 and chapter 6.

There were many times when Jesus said things that shocked or startled his hearers.

Sometimes his audience was expecting words of judgment but found his message was full of grace instead; other times his interpretation of the law was far from what they had been taught for decades.

In both cases the audience found his teaching to be clear, powerful, and with a great emphasis on application.

It's as if when Jesus taught he was asking himself, "How is this going to apply to their lives? What difference will this make to those who hear it?". With Jesus no words fell to the ground, unless the hearers just failed to take it to heart.

Here is the passage we will explore today...

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for a 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." Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus quotes from the Old Testament, "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," a verse found in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy. This principle of justice was a very prevalent teaching especially among the Jews.

It was part of the Law and the Law was very clear: whatever wrong someone did (which was usually unintentional), the compensation or punishment was to be equal to the violation. However, in this teaching Jesus says, "Do not resist an evil person."

Response

In the context, Jesus keeps in mind that the main purpose of the Gospel is that people will accept Jesus Christ as personal Saviour. Jesus is reminding us that everyone should have an opportunity to be saved, and this opportunity comes to others depending on how Christians respond to them when they treat them wrongly.

Most times when people hurt us or treat us unfairly we want to "stand up for our rights" and be mean right back to them. Jesus is teaching a new way of winning people over... it's called "the love of God".

Notice, Jesus says that when someone strikes you on the right cheek, then turn the other one also.

Why would Jesus ask his listeners to do something that would have you be identified as a "push-over"? Jesus is teaching the element of meekness here. While some misinterpret meekness for weakness, meekness is best identified as 'power under control'.

This type of teaching is quite shocking isn't it? To stand and take any form of persecution because of Jesus' sake - to 'turn the other cheek' - means that you are actually in a victorious position. This is because you realize that God is the One that is in total control.

Turning the other cheek shocks the offender, making him consider not only the hurt he just committed, but also why the cheek was turned and if he would commit the offence again. Ultimately, love is what beats hate, and to show love in such a situation is hard to do.

It is important to note that turning the other cheek is a principle here; it does NOT mean that a woman should be in an abusive situation with a man and just endure it; absolutely not! For those caught in such a situation, you should seek help and fast!

In the second example in this passage Jesus states that if someone wants to sue you or to take something from you, offer even more. These two examples have to do with personal insults or affronts to you, especially if the wrongs committed are done because you are a child of God.

The third example, "if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles" need a little historical background.

Forced walk

In this passage Jesus refers to the Roman Law of Impressment. This law of the Roman Empire stated that a Roman soldier could command and force you to carry his personal load for one mile, and you could not refuse him! Jesus teaches that while you may be forced to go one mile by Rome, go an extra mile for Jesus.

Can you imagine what that would do the heart of that rude and demanding Roman soldier when his impressed subject after travelling with him one mile says, "I can take it another mile for you."

The purpose of showing love is to help win people to God. If you fight every battle, you could mar the testimony of God. It is also a reminder that in all things, God has the last say.

Overall, the principles in this passage teach that instead of terminating or retaliating, we can radiate the love of Jesus Christ in order to win people to the Lord. Jesus' teaching does not instruct us to be a doormat or to allow people to take advantage of you. It does mean that you need to gain a heart for God and realize that there are times when you may suffer because of your faith. We are reminded of what the Word of God says in 1 Peter 3:13-18 (NLT) that Jesus is our example when we suffer for God...

"Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit."

Pastor Gary C. Simons serves as Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Bible Fellowship, 82 Church Street, Hamilton, Bermuda

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