He Explains the Law of Retaliation

["Click here for Matthew's account"]
["Click here for Luke's account"]

Notice here the Law of the Old Testament concerning personal injury. "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Allowed, but not commanded, was satisfaction. What the Law was saying was, let the punishment be in proportion to the injury. Two things Christ is telling us concerning this law. First of all, we are to forgive the injury. Secondly, we are not to seek punishment for self satisfaction but only that which will aid and deter the offender.

"Do not resist one who is evil." In other words, do not fight back. We may do all that we can to avoid evil. but we must not avenge it. We cannot justify our attack on the basis that they struck first. In these verses, Christ identifies three types of "personal injury".

1. A bodily injury described as a "blow to the cheek". This not only hurts us physically but it also hurts our dignity. Turning the other cheek is an exercise in patience. The forgiving of one injury may prevent another. More people are persuaded by love and understanding than by anger and revenge.
2. The second injury would be a loss to your estate, your coat or some other possession. Loss by a judgement of the court is usually just, still some misjudgments do occur. Should this happen to you, we are to show great charity and give more than the judgement requires. More people are persuaded by love and understanding than by revenge.
3. The third injury is a restraint to your freedom. "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him the second mile also." Temporary loss of freedom is a small price to pay for evading a quarrel. It is better to serve someone, even if by force, than to serve your pride, for perhaps along the way, we might witness to someone of the Grace of Jesus Christ, if only by our actions. More people are persuaded by love and understanding than by anger and revenge.

To sum up the three, Christians are here commanded to submit to small injuries as Christ submitted to large injuries and we are to do this as He did with grace and understanding love, forgiving the one who injuries.

Jesus closed this portion of His Sermon on the Mount with a command to be charitable. Not only are we not to respond, injury for injury, but we are to try to aid them in any way that we can. Look upon charity as an opportunity to do something for Christ. Matthew Henry warns us that our charity must be done with discretion, less we give those that are idle and unworthy that which should be given to those who have need and deserve it. Notice, Christ also classifies "lending" as a charity. Seek out those who have need, give or lend as their case requires for God perceives your needs and gives to you freely often without you asking. God, as a rule, is not a respecter of persons. His rain falls on the just as well as the unjust. His mercy is for everyone in Christ, His reward is equal. The burdens of this world fall on the saved as well as the lost, only the saved have the gift of Grace sufficient to carry those burdens.

Previous Chapter

Return to Outline

Ask Questions

Next Chapter