Week 21 - Matthew 5:38-42
"Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth."
It sounds like a barbaric law, but in reality, it stopped the cycle of escalating violence that was and is so common. Instead of being a way to create more pain, it actually limited retaliation.
All it takes to understand the need for the Lex Talionis (Latin name for this law Jesus refers to) is one week at summer camp. One cabin pranks another cabin and the escalation of pranking continues until someone gets hurt or the authorities show up.
"Eye for an eye" put an end to escalating violence. The punishment fit the crime, no more.
But Jesus calls us to a deeper righteousness.
Truly, in this passage, he calls us to more creative and imaginative ways of responding to oppressors and bullies. He gives three illustrations that tell us not to "violently resist an evildoer."
Spend time dwelling in Matthew 5:38-42. It's one of the most challenging passage in the Sermon on the Mount, but I've found it to be one of the most rewarding.
As you dwell in Matthew 5:38-42, here are a few questions to consider and comment on:
1) Why do we have such a hard time living out this invitation of Jesus? Why is it so daunting?
2) What does it mean to "turn the other cheek." Is Jesus calling us to a life of "being continually walked over and trampled on"?
3) How would it feel to be a Jew living in a land occupied by Romans and being expected to carry the pack of a Roman soldier for a mile if asked? Why is Jesus command so difficult?
4) What holds the four illustrations together? What is this passage about?
5) Brainstorm with me. What relevant challenge would Jesus give us in our world to add to the list?
6) What are some ways that Christians (those committed to putting the kingdom on display) might seek to implement this passage in 2012?
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