Pastor Terry Cheek Th.D.

Welcome back! As I write this we are recovering from a massive winter storm. I sincerely hope you and your family are safe, warm and dry during this round of harsh winter weather. As we return to Gods Word we pick up in our study of the Sermon on the Mount with Matthew 5:38-42 where we read; “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” The Lord Jesus Christ is opening our heart to Gods Word concerning the practice of retaliation.

My thoughts turn to the Pharisees and their literal interpretation of mandatory equal retribution. We often hear it referred to as “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” There are many Old Testament references but the first one is found in Exodus 21:24 “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” The Pharisees taught that one who suffered injury or loss had an obligation to claim repayment in like manner. But upon close reading and study of God’s Word we realize the intent of this provision was to control excessive retaliation! The law actually established a boundary concerning retaliation. No person was obligated by the law to react in like manner toward an offender. Jesus taught that to demand one’s right was not a manifestation of divine righteousness. The Lord said; righteousness, godliness, and holiness do not obligate one to seek their rights. Consider this; the characteristic of righteousness and godliness can actually be to give up rights. Christ exampled this when He stood falsely accused before Pilate. Christ had every right to free Himself by divine force if necessary. Being there Jesus was saying that a righteous man is characterized by a selflessness that does not demand his own rights.

From our text we read, He explanation to those listening, that if someone sued for their tunic, they should go beyond the demand and give their coat as well. This was extreme, it would be like you or I being told to give our sweaters and in turn we voluntarily give up our overcoats, willingly! Believers should glean from this the understanding of having a heart that leads us to relinquish our rights as a demonstration of the righteousness that is a testimony to Christ.