Eye for an Eye

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:38-48

I. The human tendency to pursue vengeance

A. Nearly every—if not every—law regulating society has included a provision for punishing those who harm others

B. The laws often arise from a desire to prevent vengeance, opting instead to let one’s peers evaluate the merits of a case and determine appropriate punishment for the guilty. Left to individuals, the guilty party would probably be punished more severely than fits the crime – frontier justice.

C. We often seek vengeance for personal wrongs, no matter how insignificant

D. Legendary feuds, from the Hatfields and Mc Coys to the violence among warring factions in the Middle East, are fueled by the desire of one side to avenge wrongs, or perceived wrongs, by escalating the violence. Like some sick poker match, the sides meet one another’s violence and raise the stakes. Even children understand the principle of “paybacks” when they retaliate against other children for injustices: broken toys, name calling, etc.

E. The need to avenge wrongs seems central to our humanity.

II. Jesus’ radical solution, Matthew 5:38-42

A. Though vengeance is common to people throughout history, Jesus taught a better way to approach wrongs.

B. Imagine how stunned the audience would have been by “love your enemies” Vengeance seems natural; loving enemies unnatural and unreasonable

C. Jesus challenged their view of supposed scriptural support for vengeance

D. Exodus 21:24

E. Moses commanded even justice for loss, not an escalation of violence Leviticus 24:19-20 (do not read) legislated retribution and recompense for damaging or killing animals and men However, retribution was not through personal vengeance—vigilante justice—but the decision of a panel of judges (v.22)

F. Deuteronomy 19:15-21—legal regulations for administering justice

G. Multiple witnesses; false witnesses killed Priests and judges hear the case; judges investigate After the justice is administered, the matter is settled and dropped

H. In Jesus’ time, it appears that many took the Old Testament law as a provision for personal vengeance or a demand for revenge for wrongs.

III. Jesus’ central message is do not avenge yourselves

A. Jesus’ admonition to turn the other cheek demands that we do not fight when provoked.

B. To think that this would demand that one not defend his family if attacked by an intruder, must be quickly dispensed.

C. We should not support evil and we have an obligation to preserve our life and that of our loved ones. However, one can dissuade an intruder without vengeance. It is one thing to deliver sufficient force to stop an attack, it is quite another to continue to administer blows or chase the person down the street to punish him for his crime. To dwell on such issues would be to miss the message of Jesus

D. Jesus prohibited returning violence for violence

E. Responding in violence breaks every command to have self-control, a slow temper, and love for enemies. James 1:20 – We must be slow to anger Jesus message is simple; the application is extremely difficult.

F. If someone wants to sue you, do not seek vengeance

G. Later in the sermon, Jesus commanded His followers to put their material things in perspective—they are insignificant compared to godly service To lose your possessions is a small thing in the eternal picture. How difficult it would be for your enemy to see that, when deprived of some material possessions, you are still as joyful as before for “your life does not consist in the abundance of things that you possess.”

H. Paul addressed this in 1 Corinthians 6:1-10

I. The brethren were suing one another and tarnishing the church’s name Paul sharply rebuked them and told them it is better to accept the wrong and be cheated than pursue their rights against brethren The church should be sufficient to judge in such matters.

J. If someone compels you to go a mile, go two

K. Under Roman law, a centurion could compel someone to carry his pack one mile The Jews would certainly resent having to serve an idol worshipping, uncircumcised, occupying army in such a capacity. Imagine the surprise of a centurion who, expecting a bitter response to his command receives a dignified and diligent worker who not only does the minimum required by law, but a little extra.

L. Would not such an attitude prompt the centurion to wonder, perhaps even ask, why this person acted this way?

M. This would give an occasion for teaching him about Jesus! A foul attitude would not reflect the mind of Christ nor provide an opportunity to lead one to Jesus. I wonder how many failed opportunities resulted from Christians with bitter attitudes griping and murmuring over some task. When we go beyond the call of duty for an enemy, he cannot help but see

N. Give to him who asks

O. It does not appear that Jesus switched gears from loving enemies in verses 38-48 to suddenly make a point about giving.

P. This giving is related to one’s enemies

Q. If your enemy asks you for money or help with some task, do you not think that he has exhausted every opportunity before he asked you? Perhaps he thinks that it is a long shot, but is desperate and so asks It would be easy to taunt the person and use their weakness to repay all injustices (Think of Mr. Potter’ tirade against George Bailey in “It’s A Wonderful Life”) What a surprise, then, when you give him what he requests and will not turn him away. Surely, such generosity would melt the most hardened heart.

R. Jesus command may create friends from enemies but if not, the child of God will not lower himself to the bitter and hateful mind of the ungodly

IV. Through inspiration, Paul taught this same message in Romans 12:17-21

A. You do not pay back evil for evil but give vengeance to God

B. You pursue peace with all men; if strife exits, it is not because of you.

C. You do not show good to your enemy to punish him, but to win him.

D. You do not want to get your enemy; you want your enemy to get it!

E. You control whether evil will rule or be rooted out of your life.

F. Ephesians 4:31 – put away the emotions and actions that lead to strife In this most radical of all preaching, Jesus challenged His audience to dig deep and pull out the whole tap root of ill will and hatred that leads to vengeance and, in its place, grow peace, love, and good will.

V. Conclusion: I cannot control another person’s behavior but I can control my response to it and my response must be consistent with the spirit of the gospel and reflect Christ living in my life.