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Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
HERE is another eye-opening teaching Jesus uses to transform our minds into God’s truth. To fully understand our Lord’s lesson, we view this from both the physical and spiritual point of views. First, sometimes it is appropriate to bear the physical harm you may experience as a Christian. This kind of persecution often happens. People are abused and beaten, sometimes severely to the point of death as they confess Christ is Lord. Yet, when one turns the other cheek, the Christian displays the meekness and humility Jesus demonstrated toward those who verbally abused him and then physically tortured and killed him. However, if you are attacked or physically abused in a crime against you, you surely can defend yourself. Persons and nations must defend themselves from aggression. To understand the spiritual point of view, it is important to know the right side is the primary side of a person. A slap on the right cheek in that culture was often to insult a person more than to hurt one. One who slapped another on the right check was demeaning the other as a slave. When this happens, Jesus is commanding us to not retaliate but to protect the abuser. That sounds a bit strange. Why would we want to protect someone who demeans and insults us? But consider, if we harshly respond to such insults, we will lose the ability to care for the person. Remember the Beatitude: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Think of God’s command throughout Scripture to love your enemies. Jesus’ disciples are to bear the burden of insults in order to open the ears of a sinful heart. Your Spirit-empowered meekness is God’s key to unlocking a heart, so you can tell of Jesus’ true love. If you respond with insult upon insult, your words and actions will only tighten and firmly close the door of further communication. You will also lose the potential of fulfilling the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself”. (Matthew 19:19) Read the gospels and learn how Jesus lived into this teaching. He was constantly insulted and ridiculed. He may not have been slapped physically until his trial, but he was challenged, insulted and treated as a servant with no rights. The crowds of Jews threatened his life. Yet, he continued to teach us of mercy, forgiveness, love, joy and peace. Then he lived into all he said. Nowhere else is this teaching more real than the day Jesus died. Slapped, whipped and crucified, he still said, “Father forgive them.” (Luke 23:34) He turned the other cheek, so his accusers and abusers might receive salvation one day. You are to do the same. One very common testimony from persecuted Christians is how God has worked through their meekness to turn their abusers’ hearts to Christ. The world needs to see the power of God’s forgiveness. Turning the cheek is one way to reveal his tender care. 1 Peter 2:20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. Matthew 5:33-37 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
JESUS makes life so simple doesn’t he? How important it is to be and to do what you say. Jesus teaches, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’.” to keep your life in the simplest terms. In essence, speak with integrity. You don’t have to make lavish oaths or “swear on a stack of Bibles” as some say to prove they speak the truth. To say, “I swear to God.” profanes God’s name and his creation. God forbids you to take his name casually and vainly, using it in a useless manner. Jesus adds meaning to God’s law as he tells us not to swear on anything God has made on earth or in heaven. Is there anything else? Do you need to promise someone? Then simply make the promise, and then do what you say. Do you need to convince someone you speak the truth? Then do as you say. Do want to be known as an honest person? Then do what you say. Do you want people to know Jesus? Then do as Jesus says. One of the greatest challenges in the church and in our families is people failing to live into their words. There is a reason the church is too often accused of hypocrisy. Act right in the teaching of God’s Word, and you will live into God’s true ways. You will live abundantly confident, at peace with God because you are true to God and to others. Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the [temple] messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Matthew 5:31-32 “It has been said, ‘anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulterous; and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.”
DIVORCE is a personal, difficult subject. Among the Jews in Jesus’ time, some believed a man could divorce his wife for nearly any reason that displeased him. Others believed only adultery was cause for divorce. These two points of view were based on Moses’ teaching in Deuteronomy 24:1 If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce… “Displeasing” was interpreted as anything from adultery to the general attitude of a husband’s dislike for his wife. It is our nature to define God’s Word from our point-of-view. Here then, Jesus defines divorce from God’s point of view. Does his response seem too restrictive? What is a Christian to do? Jesus’ point is to underscore the primacy of marriage. He has called marriages to an accountability of the covenant promise between husband and wife. Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. He rejected the casual divorce for any “displeasing” reason. Just as in the Beatitudes, Jesus announced the Kingdom of God is not as the world. A married couple’s primary purpose is to safeguard their marriage. Some of you have divorced because you’ve been subjected to verbal and physical abuse. Some of you have struggled to keep your marriage, but your spouse sinned and left your marriage. Is there a place for a godly marriage in your life? Remember “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Jesus was speaking against the casual, unrepentant heart, forbidding the easy divorce and casual remarriage. With a view on God’s truth, trusting his redemptive power, one may certainly enter into a godly marriage with a desire to hold fast to God’s covenant promise. For those of you who are married, keep in mind Jesus’ entire teachings to live a pure life. Strive with prayer for each other, avoid sexual temptation and develop clear communication to each other’s needs. And remember: kiss passionately at least 30 seconds a day (Really. It’s a proven way of keeping up the desire!). God formed the marriage as the first and primary image of our relationship with God. Fight for your union. Keep your union clean. Enjoy your union. Jesus Teaches: Be true to God, and you will be true to your spouse. Matthew 5:29-30 “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into Hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into Hell.”
THIS is a radical scripture we all quickly put into our “memory verse” bank whether we want to or not. The imagery is extreme and draws us in to wonder, “Does Jesus really mean this?” For those who say, “I read the Bible literally.” are they missing the right eye and right hand? In truth, we must read the Bible literally. That means we must know the Bible’s literal meanings come through many literary forms. The Bible’s poetry, parables, allegory, metaphor and illustrations from everyday life require understanding to help us know the LORD God’s meaning. The illustration for Jesus’ literal, radical message here comes from two things we do automatically: sin and use our right hand. Inherited from Adam, our nature is to sin. And the LORD God made us to predominantly use the right hand. At least 70% of the world are right-handed. The right eye symbolizes the “starting action” of the human’s right side. What we see causes us to reach with our right hand to retrieve the temptation. Jesus urges, even commands us to consider where sin begins, so we will stop to reject the sin. A surgeon cuts out the infected body part; you must remove sin’s disease. This dramatic lesson also literally points to Hell’s torment. We can’t escape this. In mankind’s mind, Hell is seen as being uncomfortable or a place for the really bad people. But our unrepentant hearts will be judged into torment. Jesus literally draws a line. When it comes to an ultimate decision between sin and the kingdom of God, to gouge out an eye or cut off a hand is far better than Hell’s eternal agony. Jesus knows your true salvation requires drastic action. That’s why Jesus went to the cross. The cross’ suffering is God’s physical demonstration of cutting sin from your soul. When Jesus said you must take up your cross to be his disciple, he requires you submit to deny sin, so you will not deny Christ. Correctly see and do God’s righteousness among his people. Trust God’s Word to cut away sin. Yes, read this literally to know Jesus’ literal teaching is to stop right now! Hebrews 4:11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Matthew 5:27-28 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
JESUS’ teaching speaks to a man’s greatest temptation and a most common deadly sin. And some of you ladies might say, “Do you hear Jesus, guys?” Yes, we men really do need to hear this. And I think we all know that God’s Word always applies to everyone. It’s true the Bible’s words are gender specific at times. So it is good to know that in the New Testament the word “man” is from a Greek word that means “humans” or “humanity”. Jesus does teach us all to watch what we watch. Indeed, we must be very, very careful about what our eyes see. The eyes may be the window to the soul, but they are also the first view to temptation. Think about Eve’s sin in the Garden. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. (Genesis 3:6) David’s adulterous, murderous sin started here: One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful. (2 Samuel 11:2) Desires of our hearts begin in the eye. Advertisers certainly know that, don’t they? Automobile ads, for example, are loaded with stunning scenery, beautiful people and the sparkling car. You see the driving experience through a television screen, and you want to be in it. When you buy the car, this will be your life! A man who gazes upon a woman may begin with a casual, unsuspecting look. She walks into his view. Then he has choices. Does he gaze a little longer to appreciate that she is a beautiful woman? Does he look a little bit more to begin to say to himself, “I desire her.” Many a man will say, “It doesn’t hurt to look.” But it does. It hurts your wife, your children and your own mind. Sin’s corrupting temptation needs only a small seed to begin. On the positive side, that first look is how many marriages begin – and how they end. The first glance goes to the second. Moments of recognition become desire to touch what is pleasing to the eye. But then it is the moment to stop. We must know those moments are forbidden fruit, displeasing to God and to all you love. Choose to keep your eyes at home, so you will lead your home for Christ. Certainly this is true of men and women. All are subject to temptation. Pornography and adultery rage through our households. Watch what you watch. Turn off the temptations in your lives. Turn on Jesus. Remember, what you see affects your heart. Are your eyes guarding your heart? Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Matthew 5:23-25 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. 25 Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.”
TO dialogue is a good thing to do. Sadly, though, too few of us do it. Dialogue happens when two or more people talk constructively about a subject to share opinions, to give facts or to decide how to respond to a circumstance. But too often we are inclined to enter a conversation eager to make our point. We quickly want another to know our thoughts: But with a “Let me tell you.” attitude, we can quickly transform a dialogue into a speech or an argument! Jesus, though, says, “Dialogue.” And his reasons are obvious. For example, when you dialogue with someone you’ve wronged, you are first admitting, “I made a mistake.” The purpose of dialogue is to move from the “me” perspective into a “we” view of a relationship. With that mindset, you will often reach a point of apology and forgiveness if needed. Jesus even teaches that when you dialogue with someone who wants to sue you, you will come to a satisfactory conclusion for both people. Talking constructively, calmly with someone who has angered or disappointed you opens your ears to the other’s point-of-view. Differences diminish. Even new friendships develop when two people have listened to each other. Pent-up emotions, harsh talk and unruly behavior do not belong in the Kingdom of God. Every situation that causes division can be reshaped to unite through appropriate dialogue. The resolution can be an agreement to separate or work together. Either way will lead to peace. The next time you disagree with someone or become angry, put those unholy emotions aside. Perhaps you could speak a short prayer, “Lord, help me stop and think about this before I speak. Help me understand the other person’s point of view.” Release the conflict. Reconcile with others. Avoid unforgiveness. Listen to their words with open ears and a humble heart. Know you aren’t always right even if you want to be. Live right with Jesus. Live right with others. James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Hell.”
1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” JESUS’ teaching regarding anger is a wakeup call to all of us, isn’t it? We often look upon anger as an emotion that someone else causes in us. “I’m angry because he insulted me.” “I’m angry it’s raining, and it has ruined my plans today.” But anger always comes from within us. Anger is most often a sinful response to the things that interrupt our desires. Anger, too, always leads to some level of destruction. It can chip away at a relationship or even cause permanent breakups between friends, partners and spouses. Our anger can even turn us from God because he didn’t answer our prayers as we wanted. That’s why Jesus speaks against using such words as “raca”, which means “worthless or empty one”. This is verbal abuse, minimizing and negating human value. Such language becomes the same as murder because it undercuts human worth. Jesus also teaches anger left unconfessed, will lead to punishment in the torment of Hell. Consider now the two passages above from Paul’s letters to the churches in Corinth and Galatia. These are a good teacher’s words to help you to know the righteous way. How powerful is patience! A moment of patience prevents hours and even years of anger and separation. A bit of kindness can open one’s own heart and that of another to reconciliation. When you do not envy, you are content. Anger moves out of the heart when contentment moves in. Prideful boasting becomes humble confession as love reigns to guide your heart, mind and voice to peace. The Spirit’s fruit, too, is a full antidote to anger and self-focus. With God’s love, you live in joy, controlling your emotions to live faithfully in God’s goodness. Yes, you can decide to be angry. Or you can decide to love others. Which life do you want? Psalms 4:4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Ephesians 4:26 “In your anger do not sin”. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. Matthew 5:19-20 “Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the Kingdom of heaven.”
OFTEN it seems people see the word “righteousness” with uncertainty and perhaps a bit of fear. Many of us could think of the accusation of being “self-righteous”. It’s often an accusation to one who has pointed to a sin in our lives. The world’s view is to see righteousness as a fault. “Don’t tell me I’m wrong!” If we are to be of God, though, in the world, here is a good way to understand “righteousness”. Moses said, “And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.” (Deuteronomy 6:25) Righteousness is simply this: living with a heart’s desire to obey God’s commands. Certainly, this is no surprise coming from the Living Word of God. The Sermon on the Mount could be called, “Jesus’ Heart Lessons”. Thus, Jesus continues to affirm that living in the law must be loving heart’s obedience to God. When he speaks of the least commandment, he does not say one command is less important than another. But he teaches each command is essential. We cannot say, “I’m so good at keeping this command, I don’t have to obey that command I don’t like.” Each person, regardless of education or profession is responsible for his and her own response to the law. Jesus condemned the Pharisees and teachers in general. How strident is the Lord’s condemnation of their empty souls: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” (Matthew 23:25-26) The Pharisees were self-righteous. Their righteousness began with their own desires. Jesus placed their hearts on the “Righteous Scales” and found them light, empty of God. Jesus wants us to know that kingdom citizenship is to be righteous, striving to love God completely faithful to his commands inside and out. Pause and Consider: Matthew 13:49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 5:17-18 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the law until everything is accomplished.”
AS we live in the age of the New Testament – the age of the church – we rejoice in God’s new promise of salvation by grace through faith. In response to God’s grace, though, many tend to dismiss the Old Testament law. Reading Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy seems irrelevant for our lives today. The covenant of the law seems to have many more requirements than the covenant of grace. We are thankful God has simplified the way we worship him. But have you considered God’s law is a demonstration of his grace to save you? After all, the law was and is God’s visible sign of his love. Jesus said so in response to the question, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-39) Does it strike you as odd that God commands love? It seems to be a “work” we must do. But we must remember God’s character. Because he is love, God gave the law to reveal himself as the one and only supreme God. As Israel obeyed, they would come to know loving God would direct their hearts and minds to obeying God. Obeying God leads to loving God. We bless God in our active love for him. He blesses us in his active love for us. Jesus’ appearance on earth fulfills God’s very active and extraordinary love. Consider John’s teachings: For God so love the world that he gave his one and only Son. (John 3:16a) and This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. (1 John 3:16) God’s love led to the most unexpected fulfillment of God’s own complex sacrifice laws. He sent his only Son to die in the law that we might live in grace. That’s why we don’t need the sacrifice laws and worship laws of the Old Testament. And that is why we must still obey God’s laws to love him and love others. Jesus has shown you the fullness of his teaching to “love God and love one another”. Loving God, you will live into Jesus’ loving sacrifice for your life. Be grateful for the law. It demonstrates God’s love. Jesus Teaches: True law is God’s grace to reveal his true love. |
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November 2024
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