Friends in Christ,
Matthew 5:38-42
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. (Matthew 5:38)
That equation sounds vindictive and gruesome to our modern ears, doesn’t it? But in early Israel, this law was actually considered radically progressive and gentler than the commonly accepted way of dealing with injustices. In fact, it was one of the greatest contributions that the Old Testament law made to the culture of the Middle East.
Among many ancient civilizations, it was common, even expected, to avenge an injury or injustice—and often with a vengeance that exceeded the original crime. So when excessive forms of retribution threatened to tear society apart, the law of retaliation—known in Latin as lex talionis—developed. The Mesopotamian Code of Hammurabi and Mosaic laws such as those in Exodus 21:18-25 and Leviticus 24:17-21 reflected the principle of proportionate justice. These laws allowed for a kind of vengeance, but they also set restrictions so that no punishment could exceed the crime.
Jesus confronted head-on the mentality that misused and abused this law. Overruling those who reasoned, “If someone knocks out your teeth, knock his out to even the score,” he introduced a new standard of behavior that surpassed the strict justice of the Old Testament: Jesus’ followers are to live under the reign of God, showing to all—even antagonists and enemies—goodness and love.
Like any good first-century rabbi, Jesus made his point through over-statement when he taught, “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also” (Matthew 5:39). He doesn’t expect a woman in an abusive relationship to passively endure her husband’s beatings. But neither does he want her to beat up her husband in return. Rather, Jesus offers each of us grace so that we can deal with the challenges we face—whether great or small—and the daily demands of life with a spirit of charity and a heart of generosity. It’s when we go out of our way to run an errand for an irritating neighbor, forgive an injury without getting back at the offender, give generously to those in need, refuse to snipe back at the co-worker who is provoking us—that’s when we reflect the glory of Jesus and the light of his kingdom to everyone around us.
“Jesus, reign as Lord over my heart and all my actions. Give me your grace so that I can live by your kingdom standards.”
1 Kings 21:1-16; Psalm 5:2-7
That equation sounds vindictive and gruesome to our modern ears, doesn’t it? But in early Israel, this law was actually considered radically progressive and gentler than the commonly accepted way of dealing with injustices. In fact, it was one of the greatest contributions that the Old Testament law made to the culture of the Middle East.
Among many ancient civilizations, it was common, even expected, to avenge an injury or injustice—and often with a vengeance that exceeded the original crime. So when excessive forms of retribution threatened to tear society apart, the law of retaliation—known in Latin as lex talionis—developed. The Mesopotamian Code of Hammurabi and Mosaic laws such as those in Exodus 21:18-25 and Leviticus 24:17-21 reflected the principle of proportionate justice. These laws allowed for a kind of vengeance, but they also set restrictions so that no punishment could exceed the crime.
Jesus confronted head-on the mentality that misused and abused this law. Overruling those who reasoned, “If someone knocks out your teeth, knock his out to even the score,” he introduced a new standard of behavior that surpassed the strict justice of the Old Testament: Jesus’ followers are to live under the reign of God, showing to all—even antagonists and enemies—goodness and love.
Like any good first-century rabbi, Jesus made his point through over-statement when he taught, “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also” (Matthew 5:39). He doesn’t expect a woman in an abusive relationship to passively endure her husband’s beatings. But neither does he want her to beat up her husband in return. Rather, Jesus offers each of us grace so that we can deal with the challenges we face—whether great or small—and the daily demands of life with a spirit of charity and a heart of generosity. It’s when we go out of our way to run an errand for an irritating neighbor, forgive an injury without getting back at the offender, give generously to those in need, refuse to snipe back at the co-worker who is provoking us—that’s when we reflect the glory of Jesus and the light of his kingdom to everyone around us.
“Jesus, reign as Lord over my heart and all my actions. Give me your grace so that I can live by your kingdom standards.”
1 Kings 21:1-16; Psalm 5:2-7
In XC
Ed Bakker
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