1. The Life of Christ – Lesson 7
August 15, 2018
Matthew Chapters 5-7
Luke 6:20-49
The Life of Christ – Lesson 7
The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:21-48
Jesus’ standard of righteousness

2. Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees
Jesus’ standard of righteousness in His kingdom in regards to: Revenge (Matthew 5:38-42) Matthew 5:38, “You have heard that it was said, ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth’.”

3. Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees
Verses 39-42, “But I say to you, do not 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 your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.”

4. Jesus’ standard of righteousness: revenge (Verses 38-42)
Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:19,20; Deuteronomy 19:21. Ancient principle of justice known as the lex talionis, or "like for like." Purpose? Judicial equity rather than a license for personal retribution. Leviticus 19:18 It’s about not focusing on getting even and leaving vengeance for God. Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 20:22; 24:29; Romans 12:17-21
“It is part of the earliest surviving code of laws, the Code of Hammurabi, ruler of Babylon from 2285 to 2242 B.C.” (William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew, I, 160).

5. Jesus’ standard of righteousness: revenge (Verses 38-42)
Matthew 5:39-42, “But I say to you …”
Verse 39, “Do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”
Verse 40, “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.”
Verse 41, “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.”
Verse 42, “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.”

6. Jesus’ standard of righteousness: revenge (Verses 38-42)
Remember Matthew 5:10-12, we’re blessed when we suffer “for the sake of righteousness … because of Me” and that not all suffering brings about God’s blessings (1 Peter 4:12-16)

7. Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees
Matthew 5:39-42, “But I say to you …”
Verse 39, “Do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”
Always considered a most severe insult. 1 Kings 22:24; John 18:22-23; 19:3
Will we refuse to retaliate for righteousness sake? John 18:22-23; 1 Peter 2:18-24
Romans 12:18-21

8. Righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees
Matthew 5:39-42, “But I say to you …”
Verse 40 “If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.”
“Shirt” (“tunic”, ESV; “coat” ASV) – layer worn next to the skin. Shirt. “Inner vest, undergarment” (Vine) The less valuable garment. “Coat” (“cloak” ESV and ASV)
Sometimes it’s better to be “wronged”. 1 Corinthians 6:7
Hebrews 10:34