What does Jesus teach about retaliation in Matthew 5:38? Setting the Scene—Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’” What the Old Rule Meant • God gave the “eye for eye” principle (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21) to ensure measured justice, limiting retaliation so punishment matched the crime. • Civil authorities, not private individuals, were to apply this rule (cf. Romans 13:3–4). Jesus’ Radical Shift (Matthew 5:39–42) • Jesus moves from limiting revenge to forbidding it in personal relationships. • Four vivid examples show what “no retaliation” looks like: – Turning the other cheek (v. 39) – Yielding more than demanded in a lawsuit (v. 40) – Going the extra mile under compulsion (v. 41) – Giving and lending generously (v. 42) Key Takeaways on Retaliation • Personal vengeance is off-limits; love, mercy, and generosity replace payback. • Justice in courts remains valid (Acts 25:10–11), but personal revenge is not. • We mirror the Father’s grace: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Living This Out Today • Release the right to get even; entrust justice to God (Romans 12:17–21). • Respond to insults with patience, not punch-backs. • Give more than required when wronged—surprise people with grace. • Serve willingly, even when obligations feel unfair. |
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