Matt. 5:38–48


I. Introduction

A. "Turn the other cheek," "go the second mile," love your enemies."

1. These are expressions that many people recognize as coming from the Bible.

2. In this lesson we will see that these were important points that Jesus made about characteristics of those who are his followers.

B. Are these simple or easy to follow?

1. No, but no one said that being a follower of Jesus was easy.

2. Living a Christian life is tough, but with Jesus' example and God's help we can be successful.

C. Now let's go to Matthew's account and see what Jesus meant by these expressions.


II. "An eye for an eye" (5:38–42)

A. Jesus was referring to what was known as the law of retaliation.

1. The law is found three times in the OT (Ex. 21:23–24; Lev. 24:20; and
Deut. 19:20).

2. This is actually an ancient principle known as Lex Talionis that goes back to at least the Code of Hammurabi (king of Babylon in the 18th century B.C.).

3. Some people think that this OT law is bloodthirsty. In reality, the commandment set limits on retaliation and restricted rather than encouraged revenge.

B. William Barclay made these comments on the law of retaliation.

1. This law was intended to set limits on revenge and prevent feuds.

a. Only the person who caused the injury was to be punished.

b. Also, the punishment was to be equal to the injury.

2. The law was never intended for a private individual to seek revenge. It was to be carried out by a court of law.

3. The law was not carried out literally in Jewish society. A system of monetary penalties was used instead.

4. There are also passages in the OT that spoke of mercy rather than revenge
(Lev. 19:18; Prov. 24:29 and 25:21; Lam. 3:30).

C. Barclay also pointed out that Jesus "obliterated the very principle of that law." (Barclay, p. 165)

D. Jesus changed it from a law of limited retaliation to the principle of nonretaliation.

1. Jesus said, "Do not resist an evil person."

2. Jesus was talking about someone who wrongs us, and some translations try to bring out this meaning.

a. "But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you."
(TEV)

b. "But I tell you not to try to get even with a person who has done something to you." (CEV)

E. Jesus then gave examples of nonretaliation.

1. "Turn the other cheek"

a. Jesus was probably not talking about being attacked by a criminal.

b. He was most likely referring to a backhanded slap that was intended as an insult.

2. The tunic and the cloak

a. The tunic was an inner garment.

b. The cloak was an outer, heavier garment worn as a robe and used as a blanket at night.

c. Exodus 22:26–27 stipulated that the cloak could be taken as a pledge, but must be returned at night.

d. Jesus was saying: If someone wants your tunic, give him your cloak also (i.e., do more than what is required of you).

e. Peterson translated it this way: "If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it." (Message)

3. Go the second mile

a. The verb means to "force" or "compel."

b. Simon of Cyrene was "forced" to carry Jesus' cross (Mk. 15:21).

c. If a soldier compelled you to carry his pack, you could comply with the law and do the minimum required. You could even show your contempt and resentment in doing so. Or, you could do more that was required and "go the second mile."


III. Love your enemies (5:43–48)

A. This is one of the most demanding requirements that Jesus placed upon his followers.

1. It is easy to love your family, friends, and those close to you, but it is much more difficult to love your enemies.

2. What did Jesus mean? What was he asking us to do?

B. The love that Jesus spoke of is not the same love that we have for a spouse, family member, or friend. It is a different kind of love.

1. The Greek word is agape and refers to undeserved or unmerited love.

2. Barclay explained that agape "is the power to love those whom we do not like and who may not like us." (Barclay, Matthew, DSB, p. 174)

C. The OT commanded to love your neighbor (Lev. 19:18).

D. Jesus said to love even your enemies and even to pray for them.

E. The only person who could live this out is a Christian—someone who has been forgiven through God's grace and loved by God even when he or she does not deserve it.


IV. Conclusion

A. The chapter closes with Jesus' words: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

1. The word "perfect" does not mean sinless. It means "mature" or "complete.'

2. It is a goal and something to work toward.

B. N.T. Wright made these observations:

"...Jesus teaching isn't just good advice, it's good news. Jesus did it all himself, and opened up a new way of being human so that all who follow him can discover it. When they mocked him, he didn't respond...When they struck him, he took the pain. When they put the worst bit of Roman equipment on his back—the heavy cross-piece on which he was killed—he carried out of the city to the place of his own execution. When they nailed him to the cross, he prayed for them...The Sermon on the Mount isn't just about us...It is about Jesus himself. This was the blueprint for his own life. He asks nothing of his followers that he has not faced himself."
(N.T. Wright, Matthew for Everyone, pp. 52–53)