Loving Enemies (5:38-48)
The Gospel According to Matthew
Jesus for President (Part 16: Loving Enemies)
38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
1. Where had they heard this said? (Ex. 21:24, etc)
2. Who does Jesus’ think he is? (The Authority)
3. Isn’t this really bad advice!?!?
The goal here is to WIN the enemy by heaping coals on their conscience. It's important, it seems to me, to note what Jesus is probably NOT saying by His statement. The original 'eye for an eye' law was made for judges and rulers to bring about justice. It may be that the verse was being applied to personal situations. Jesus is, thus, saying that we should not personally retaliate against our oppressors. He is also, I think, not applying this principle to situations when others are involved (like if our family is in danger, for example).
What he is saying is that when we are personally offended, we may choose to absorb the offense. The goal is to bring about a sense of guilt on the offender as opposed to escalating the issue by returning evil for evil. If the offender persists, however, it seems to me that it is quite necessary to turn them over to the authorities (who can, indeed, practice the eye for an eye approach, and should).
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1. Where had they heard this said? (Lev. 19:18)
2. Who does Jesus’ think he is? (The Authority)
3. Why should we love our enemies?
a. Because that’s what Jesus commands (44)
b. Because that’s what our Father does (45)
c. Because it yields better rewards (46-47)
d. Because it makes us more mature (48)
Jesus for President (Part 16: Loving Enemies)
38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
1. Where had they heard this said? (Ex. 21:24, etc)
2. Who does Jesus’ think he is? (The Authority)
3. Isn’t this really bad advice!?!?
The goal here is to WIN the enemy by heaping coals on their conscience. It's important, it seems to me, to note what Jesus is probably NOT saying by His statement. The original 'eye for an eye' law was made for judges and rulers to bring about justice. It may be that the verse was being applied to personal situations. Jesus is, thus, saying that we should not personally retaliate against our oppressors. He is also, I think, not applying this principle to situations when others are involved (like if our family is in danger, for example).
What he is saying is that when we are personally offended, we may choose to absorb the offense. The goal is to bring about a sense of guilt on the offender as opposed to escalating the issue by returning evil for evil. If the offender persists, however, it seems to me that it is quite necessary to turn them over to the authorities (who can, indeed, practice the eye for an eye approach, and should).
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1. Where had they heard this said? (Lev. 19:18)
2. Who does Jesus’ think he is? (The Authority)
3. Why should we love our enemies?
a. Because that’s what Jesus commands (44)
b. Because that’s what our Father does (45)
c. Because it yields better rewards (46-47)
d. Because it makes us more mature (48)
posted by matthew at 10:51 AM
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