The Life of Christ

Mt. 5:37 “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; and anything beyond these is of evil.”

Instead, just say “yes” or “no” and mean it!

• James 5:12 says , "Let your yes be yes and your no be no.”

• This culture was traditionally given to exaggeration.

Mt. 5:38-39 “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 him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

To strike someone on the cheek in that culture was more of an insult than what would be considered an assault.

• According to Ex. 21:24 you were allowed to retaliate to the same measure you were mistreated.

• Jesus now abolishes that law and introduces the higher approach — retaliate in love!

• This new principle is further fleshed out in verses 40-48.

In general, we are not to retaliate, but we can still be assertive without becoming aggressive. Retaliation belongs only to the Lord.

• Rom. 12:19 says, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

• Psalms 3:7 reads, "Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for You have smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.”

Mt. 5:40 “And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.”

The coat was considered a more costly garment than the shirt.

• To respond back to such a one with such benevolence would not only stun them immeasurably but give you and your faith the final word!

Mt. 5:41 “And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two.”

Back in Bible days, if Rome needed something delivered and needed help in doing so, they could call upon any random individual to stop what they’re doing and give assistance.

• This meant major inconvenience to you and often created strong resentment.

• When commanded to take something one mile, Jesus tells us to offer to go with them two miles.

• In our modern-day context, when asked to do something that brings us inconvenience, respond back by not haggling but instead offering to do twice as much as they requested.

Mt. 5:42 “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.”

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