Reading: Matthew 5:38-39

Matthew 5:38…39 – “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…”

In Matthew 5, verses 21-48, Jesus offers a regiving of some of the ten commandments and the Law. These interpretations are stricter, more far-reaching than the originals. Each set of teachings begins with the same phrase: “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…”

Our passage for today falls in the section subtitled “The Law of Retaliation.” Yes, once upon a time Moses said, “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Originally this law also included a life, a hand, a foot, a bruise, and a wound. God, through Moses, was limiting retaliation to a one for one exchange. Jesus says, though, do better than that. He teaches his disciples not to even oppose or later try to get back at those who “want to hurt you.” For example, he says, if someone slaps you on the cheek, don’t slap or hit back. Instead, offer them the other cheek too. Here we see the seeds of the nonviolence common to some faith traditions.

This teaching also includes the idea of giving your shirt when that is being asked if you in court – and give them your coat too. Or if someone forces you to carry their load for a mile, go two miles instead. The practices of righteousness, humble service, and generosity are being extended beyond what many would say are the bare minimum.

Let us imagine what this might look like today. If a poor person asks you for $5, do we hear, “But I say to you, give them $20?” If your neighbor needs milk and bread, do we hear, “But I say to you, buy some cereal and PB&J too?” If another parents asks you to watch their kids one evening, do we hear, “But I say to you, go ahead and keep them overnight?” How might you hear the Holy Spirit speak this week as you seek to apply this idea to your context and life?

Prayer: Lord God , when we are tempted to get even or to plot our revenge, remind us of these words of Jesus. And when we want to hold too tightly to our time, to our stuff, to our talents, pry open our hearts and our hands. Thank you, generous and humble one. Amen.