1. How to Understand Retribution
Matthew 5:38-42

2. One of my favorite movies…

3. The plot centers on a heist of gold…

4. I. Think about the World of Revenge and Retaliation
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’” (Matthew 5:38, NKJV)

5. A. There is a natural inclination for active retribution
We have an internal sense of justice
We sense a need to make things right or to inflict punishment

6. B. There was a legal provision for limited retribution
Definitions of the words involved…
Examples in the biblical text
“You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18, NKJV)

7. Exodus 21:26-27
“If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for the sake of his eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he shall let him go free for the sake of his tooth.” (NKJV)

8. Exodus 21:22-25
“If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.” (NKJV)

9. Leviticus 24:19-21
“‘If a man causes disfigurement of his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him—fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him. And whoever kills an animal shall restore it; but whoever kills a man shall be put to death.” (NKJV)

10. Deuteronomy 19:18-21
“And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you. And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you. Your eye shall not pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (NKJV)

11. II. Understand the Principle of Non-Retribution
“But I tell you not to resist an evil person….” (Matthew 5:39a, NKJV)

12. A. Recognize the basic principle
We should give up the right to resist an evil person
Other NT passages include the same instruction
Rom 12:17 “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” (NKJV)

13. 1 Corinthians 6:7
“Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?” (NKJV)

14. 1 Peter 3:8-9
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” (NKJV)

15. B. Remember the underlying emphasis
God is ultimately in control of all things
“The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces; From heaven He will thunder against them. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. “He will give strength to His king, And exalt the horn of His anointed.”” (1 Samuel 2:10, NKJV)
The OT taught that the Jews were to leave vengeance to God

16. Deuteronomy 32:35 & Proverbs 20:22
“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.’” (Deuteronomy 32:35, NKJV)
“Do not say, “I will recompense evil”; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.” (Proverbs 20:22, NKJV)

17. III. Implement the Practice of Non-Retribution
“But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” (Matthew 5:39–42, NKJV)

18. A. The principle is clarified by contextual qualifications
There were specific matters in mind
There were abuses involved from that time:
-We may encounter physical harm…
-We may face financial damages...
-We could encounter physical compulsion...
-We may be faced by material need...
There were underlying attitudes involved

19. B. The practice is communicated by contrast and hyperbole
Let the principle be our driving ambition and goal
Recognize the purpose of hyperbole
Does this mean we are to be doormats?
-Use good judgment
-Respond according to the broader emphasis
-Responsibility to care for family’s safety…
-Consider biblical & historical examples…
We should stand up for what is right & trust God