Prepare for Sunday morning worship by using the guide below.
Matthew 5:38-42
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: This week we continue our series looking at some of the hard sayings of Jesus. We have already covered Jesus' teaching on anger and on oaths. This Sunday we will see what Jesus has to say about retaliating against those who hurt or offend us. Quoting from Exodus 21 Jesus opens with "you have heard that it was said, 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'" That law was in place to limit the Israelites from retaliating to offenses in disproportionate ways. But Jesus takes it up a notch. New covenant living means you aren't worried about getting your hit in too. Jesus even prohibits responding to an offense with an equal offense. But what does this really mean for us? What about self-defense? What about legal defenses? What about looking out for ourselves? Are we being commanded to practice strict pacifism? These are some of the questions we will consider this Sunday.
Review & Apply
How tempted are you to respond to an offense with an even greater offense?
Look back at Exodus 21:22-25. What is the context for the "eye for an eye" command?
In Matthew 5:39 Jesus says, "do not resist the one who is evil." How might you reconcile that with a verse like James 4:7?
After the command ("do not resist") Jesus then gives four examples of how to walk that out in verses 39b-42. At first glance which of these sound the most challenging? Which sounds the easiest?
As you prepare for Sunday, spend some time praying for humility and understanding of this hard saying. Pray that your heart would be tender toward God and that you would be ready to receive the correction of Jesus joyfully.
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