THE LORD’S WAY: A continuation of the “Sermon on the Mount” Matthew 5:38-42-You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [{Exodus 21:24-Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot; Leviticus 24:20-Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again; Deuteronomy 19:21-And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.}; now understand the intent of the letter of the law here, was for God to execute justice His own way; man was not to resort to such, as Jesus now explains the greater truth of the law. What Christ says further on in the Sermon on the Mount fits this idea as well-Matthew 7:2-For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.] 39 But I say unto you, That you resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. [When Christ tells us to “resist not evil,” He is telling us not to reward evil for evil. Again the language that the Lord is using here is figurative, because when the Lord was smitten on the cheek did not turn the other cheek but with dignity rebuked the man who struck Him: (John 18:22-23-And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?) The thrust of the matter is not turning the other cheek, but rather not reacting in a like manner.] 40 And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. [This is not referring to righteous action, which is sometimes necessary, but rather to a contentious spirit, which demands their individual rights, down to the smallest of details. So in essence do not be like this person, as well as, give to this contentious person what the law requires and then some.] 41 And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him twain (two). [Christ is not pointing to the outward actions here, or anywhere within this passage; He is drawing attention to the heart of man, is it good or evil, man’s actions, how they live, is in accordance with their heart being good or evil.] 42 Give to him that asks thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not you away. [Jesus is telling us here to always help those who are truly in need; He is not telling us to help the lazy who will not work. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.] God Bless You All. Pastor
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 17:00:12 +0000
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