Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:38-42 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you..”

EYE FOR EYE AND TOOTH FOR TOOTH?

It is within our fallen nature to want to “pay them back!” and “teach them a lesson!”

There are too few Ghandis and to many Rambos—too few Martin Luther Kings and too many Dirty Harrys

I. THE TEACHING OF JESUS IS DIRECTLY CONTRARY (BUT IT IS THE GENIUS OF CHRISTIANITY) “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek. Turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 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

Old Testament scriptures: “If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is not serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” Exodus 21:22-25

“If anyone takes the life of a human being, he must be put to death. Anyone who takes the life of someone’s animal must make restitution—life for life. If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured. Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death. You are to have the same law for the alien and native- born. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 24:17-22

The Pharisees saw this as an individual right—they were wrong! Justice and punishment is to be administered by the courts—never by the individual.

II. IT IS THE JOB OF THE COURTS “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. Bur if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment to the wrongdoer.” [Romans 13:1-4]

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” [I Peter 2:13-17]

III. IT IS NOT THE JOB OF INDIVIDUALS “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If you enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. Is doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” [Romans 12:17-21]

“Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.” [I Peter 2:18-23]

Key = v39 “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” 1. turn the other cheek 2. let him have your cloak 3. go with him 2 miles

CONCLUSION: We are citizens of a higher and holier Kingdom! We must be willing to follow a higher and more noble way than the way of the world! “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with a blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” [I Peter 3:8-9]

When we do that consistently and with a sweet spirit we demonstrate to the world that His way is not only different—but His way is BEST!!