Scripture:
Matthew 5:38-42 NKJV
[38] “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ [39] But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. [40] If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. [41] And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. [42] Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Observation:
As I read this, I quickly realized why no one really preaches about it. It goes against not only what was taught in the law of the Old Testament but against human nature as well. But it’s what the bible teaches, and I believe it needs to be looked at. First of all, I would like to say that these words are in red if you have that kind of bible. That means they came straight from Jesus. That means we are not to take them lightly. They came from the SAVIOR HIMSELF. They can’t be explained away or ignored. They are HIS words, and as HE said in scripture. HE doesn’t say anything that the Father in heaven doesn’t tell HIM to say. Looking at verse 38 of chapter 5, we see HIM referring back to the Old Testament in Exodus 21:23-27. This is where it’s mentioned the first time, and the point behind it is that someone should be treated the same way they treated you. However, the view that Jesus takes on it is substantially different and hard for us to really understand. In verse 39, HE brings HIS point home and says,” Do not resist the evil person.”… “If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the left as well.” I’m sure just reading this makes the hackles on your neck stand up. It’s the hard stuff. The very next statement has just as much mercy and grace behind it. In verse 40, Jesus brings up a problem the the church of Corinth ran into. Lawsuits. Paul’s letter to that church said much to the same thing. First Corinthians 6:7 “Why not rather be wronged”. I would like to make this statement because I believe it’s important. If it is said once in the bible, we should pay attention, but if it’s repeated more, this once we need to write it on our hearts. Just to finish this portion of scripture out and put the point of what Jesus is teaching into perspective. It’s all about pride. Going the extra mile with someone. Allowing them to seemingly take advantage of you. It gets all over our human nature. It goes against what we want to do. But looking at the scripture here in Matthew chapter 5 verses 38-42, it seems to be what is required.
Application:
Pride is a problem. It says stuff like, who do they think they are? And don’t they know who I am? Or how could they do this to me? How about even something like… really, you want me to do what? A meek and humble spirit is disarming to those who are trying to dig at you. Jesus not only taught this principle in words, but HE showed it in the way he reacted as HE got arrested on the way to the cross. Ripping tge beard out of HIS face. Slapping HIM and mocking HIM. HE went to trial and said nothing. Not defending HIMSELF. HE placed it all in the Father’s hands. You might say. But we are not Jesus, and you would be right. However, we are not to be conformed to the ways of this world either, and the bible teaches to be meek and humble. I have a book full of short stories called the Book of the Martyrs. The stories in it are men and women who died for their faith in christ. It has always been astonishing to me the faith it takes to do that… and I would like to believe that when push comes to shove, I would have that kind of faith. Doing the hard stuff is not fun. It feels wrong. It goes against our human nature. Our pride steps in and at tines takes over. We don’t go the second mile and most of the time are not even willing to walk the first one. This is my big challenge to you today. Pick up your cross. Follow the footsteps of Jesus, set your pride down, and show mercy and grace. Forgive those who have done you wrong, therefore allowing yourself to be forgiven as well. Remember you reap what you sow. Meekness is not weakness it’s power under control. Just because you can does not mean you should. GOD shows mercy to those who give mercy to others and grace to those who show grace. Go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, and love your enemy. Knowing that GOD sees all. Love covers a multitude of sins. Remember it’s grace that brought you to a relationship with the LORD. The grace and mercy you show someone else just might do the very same thing. GOD knows what HE is doing. WE DONT. So let’s just love them all and let GOD sort them out.
Prayer:
Father, our lives are in your hands. We surrender to your will. You know better than us. Your word tells us that love covers a multitude of sins. Father, our prayer this morning is that we would love like you love and show mercy to all whom you show mercy to. It’s your grace that drew us into covenant relationship with you through Jesus christ. So let that very same grace be what we extend to others. Our pride is our problem. Help us to put our flesh and its demands to death and leave it to you. Allow us to love them all. It’s not our job to pay back evil or get revenge. We see through limited perspective. You see the whole picture. So we just want to submit to your plan and follow your example it’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.