The Extra Mile
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 anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 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
One of the realities we face whenever we engage with Jesus’ words. Is that even though His teaching has culture-spanning applications, He still speaks into a specific time and context.
Which causes us trouble. Because we hear words like these in this passage and we don’t know quite what to do. Is Jesus saying that if someone punches us in a fight, we should let them punch us again? Or, that if a stranger borrows your car, you should give it to them?
We need to remember, Jesus is speaking in principles, not law. The Jewish law was eye for an eye. That is, retaliation of equal measure is allowed by the law. But our state law doesn’t allow retaliation in most circumstances.
No, we need to understand the principle Jesus is teaching. What is it? Paul summarises, don’t repay evil for evil but evil for good. We are to reflect who God is, in this instance, His longer-suffering grace.
Perfect justice demands that we suffer eternally for our sins. But Jesus bore our insults and demands. He went the extra mile for us by forgiving us on the cross. But He didn’t just give us forgiveness, He gave us His coat also. He shares His inheritance with us.
For Today:
Pray:
Matthew 5:38-42
One of the realities we face whenever we engage with Jesus’ words. Is that even though His teaching has culture-spanning applications, He still speaks into a specific time and context.
Which causes us trouble. Because we hear words like these in this passage and we don’t know quite what to do. Is Jesus saying that if someone punches us in a fight, we should let them punch us again? Or, that if a stranger borrows your car, you should give it to them?
We need to remember, Jesus is speaking in principles, not law. The Jewish law was eye for an eye. That is, retaliation of equal measure is allowed by the law. But our state law doesn’t allow retaliation in most circumstances.
No, we need to understand the principle Jesus is teaching. What is it? Paul summarises, don’t repay evil for evil but evil for good. We are to reflect who God is, in this instance, His longer-suffering grace.
Perfect justice demands that we suffer eternally for our sins. But Jesus bore our insults and demands. He went the extra mile for us by forgiving us on the cross. But He didn’t just give us forgiveness, He gave us His coat also. He shares His inheritance with us.
For Today:
- What is one situation where you have wanted to retaliate? Evil for evil?
- Have you ever or seen someone respond to evil with good?
- What does imaging God look like for you today?
Pray:
- Praise the Father for His grace toward us in Jesus.
- Give thanks for Jesus who repaid us for our sins with forgiveness and generosity.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others repay evil for good today.
Posted in Matthew
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