Jesus’ Teaching Matthew 7 Oct When life gets your down 5:1-6 14 Oct Making a difference 5:7-11 21 Oct Salt, Light and Law 5:13-20 28 Oct Anger and Murder 5:21-26 4 Nov Adultery and Divorce 5:27-32 11 Nov Love for enemies 5:38-48 18 Nov Truth Telling: Yes and No 5:33-37 25 Nov Giving 6:1-4 2 Dec Treasure in heaven 6:19-24 9 Dec [Christingle] 16 Dec Prayer and fasting 6:5-18 23 Dec [Nativity from Scratch] 30 Dec Worry 6:25-34 6 Jan Judging others 7:1-6 13 Jan Ask, Seek, Knock 7:7-12 20 Jan Jesus' way 7:13-28

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth (Don’t be disproportionate) 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. (Don’t be against people – be against injustice) If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (In the face of violent humiliation assert your dignity, equality and humanity) 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your under garment, hand over your outer garment as well. (implement practical and strategic measures which empower the oppressed) 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. (Use creative nonviolent action to end oppression.)

42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. To avoid the oppression of capitalism which puts money above people – Give to others (no capital repayment, no interest rates) 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ Charity begins at home, but doesn’t end there. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. If you really want peace, you have to love those who have been oppressing you.

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (If you want grace and peace, you can’t have fairness) 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? (fairness is bland) 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? (Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain) 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Hunger and thirst after righteousness)

How to oppose oppression and share your faith Charity begins at home, but doesn’t end there. (“if you love only those who love you …”) “Give to others” “Hunger and thirst after righteousness” (“be perfect as your father in heaven is perfect”) Don’t be disproportionate (“an eye for an eye”) “Don’t be against people, even evil people“ If you want grace and peace, you can’t have fairness (“God sends rain on the good and the bad”)

How to oppose oppression Give dignity and equality to the oppressed (“turn the other cheek”) Find righteous power (“go the extra mile”) If you really want peace, you have to “love those who have been oppressing you”.

From Amen to Action May you know the blessing of living with dignity of using righteous power of loving those who oppress you of being a child of your Heavenly Father