Matthew 5:38-48 Love Your Enemies (Leviticus 24:17-23; Luke 6:27-36)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
Originally, the concept of “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” was intended to LIMIT retribution, ensuring that a punishment would not arbitrarily exceed the extent of the original injury; however, religious teachers gradually twisted this concept to indicate that retribution was always necessary. Here Jesus is turning that teaching on its head. Is Jesus insisting that his hearers become wimps who will put up with any amount of abuse? Is Jesus teaching that evil can never be resisted?
Remember that Jesus is the one who goes into the temple and drives out the money changers who are cheating pilgrims coming to celebrate festivals. Jesus definitely resists evil. But a slap on the cheek is considered a cultural insult, not a physical attack. Some sources feel that only social equals may exchange such slaps, indicating a kind of grudging respect.
What about “if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well?” The tunic is the basic item of clothing while the cloak is used to wrap up at night to remain warm while sleeping. Now Jesus is teaching that if necessary, you might even have to give more than someone is demanding.
Jesus is teaching to overcome evil with good. We speak of “going the extra mile” without realizing that Roman soldiers are fond of ordering Jewish men and boys to carry their military equipment. Here Jesus is essentially teaching that even if an obnoxious Roman soldier demands you carry things one mile, be willing to do more than necessary and go that extra mile.
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” What is more annoying than a neighbor who keeps borrowing things? Today, it’s some sugar, while tomorrow it’s salt. The frustrating thing is that the flow of favors only goes one way; if you ask your neighbor for something, they smile and shrug their shoulders, indicating that they can’t help. Jesus is encouraging his audience to act out of love rather than keeping score.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
During Jesus’ teaching, there have been many head-scratching moments, and this statement produces another one. Once more, Jesus is turning conventional wisdom on its head as he describes the difference between the love of God and normal human practice. Most of the audience is used to praying for things for themselves, their families, and their friends. But now Jesus is pointing out the difference between God and people: God sends sun and rain on righteous and unrighteous indiscriminately while people favor those who love them. But what is the point of mentioning tax collectors?
In Jesus’ society, tax collectors are both feared and despised. Although tax collectors are following government regulations, many tax collectors demand far more money than the regulations require. This meant that the only people who are friends with tax collectors are other tax collectors or very wealthy people who refuse to be intimidated. Here Jesus is pointing out that even tax collectors are kind to their friends and families, so nobody should feel morally superior when they are simply doing the same thing. And to reinforce the point, Jesus mentions Gentiles, non-Jews who are generally considered obnoxious boors with no manners. Even Gentiles greet their friends. But God’s love is so much greater than man’s that God loves even those who are deliberately sinning against Him.
There are many parts of the Sermon on the Mount that are difficult, and these few verses are among the most difficult. But throughout the world, there are testimonies of evil people turning to God when believers have demonstrated persistent love in the face of persecution. In one case related by Dr. Helen Roseveare, a missionary in Zaire, a national believer and his wife moved into a fetish village. Villagers did everything they could to destroy the man and his family, going so far as to burn their house. But when a crisis arose, it was the believer who saved his fellow villagers. Confronted with such incredible love, the villagers accepted Jesus.
Personally, these verses have saved me from bitterness on many occasions. It’s impossible to complain about someone when you are praying for them. I pray for revival for our hospital, but I also pray for the salvation of those who have stolen, spread false rumors, or who have otherwise behaved hurtfully. The worse people have behaved, the more emphatically I have prayed for them. I can highly recommend “praying for those who persecute you;” it really does work.
Are you frustrated or miserable because someone in your situation is mistreating you? Pray for them, and if you find that too difficult, ask God to give you His mind about those people. Once God has done that, you will find yourself praying. The more you pray for those people, the more peace you will have. And remember, God knows your shortcomings and your sins, and yet He loves you.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, many of us are struggling to forgive those who have hurt us. Please give us Your Mind about these people and please bless them so that they will know You and Your Love. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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