On Sunday we continued with our series on discipleship from The Sermon on the Mount. This week we are looking at Jesus’ teaching regarding retaliation.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:38-42)
Those who follow Jesus have a different approach to retaliation. We, surely, have all experienced the feeling of wanting revenge on someone who has wronged us in some way. Jesus wants us to ‘stop, look and listen’; ‘stop’ to think; ‘Look’ at the consequences of our response; and ‘listen’ to Jesus and follow His example on how to respond.
Turn the cheek
How do we respond to physical violence against us? Should we have them beaten as they have beaten us? Alternatively, Is Jesus asking us to seek an ongoing beating from our attacker and seek no justice? what does it mean to ‘turn to them the other cheek’?
Turning the cheek is to be willing to suffer insult rather than take retaliatory action, which would lead to ongoing hatred and violence. This is not a licence for abusers to keep abusing! This is our doing what is going to lead to peace. I cannot give a rule book here; you must prayerfully stop, look and listen to Jesus.
RESPONSE
Am I willing to turn the other cheek and suffer insult rather than take revenge? Take a moment to meditate and pray through the following helpful text,
’Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Romans 12:14-21)
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN
Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Particularly, this Sunday is a special gift day. Let's be praying as to how we will respond to this. Our target is £30,000.
Suggested opener/Ice-breaker
Nearly every film and story has an element of the ‘underdog’ winning a victory by reaping revenge on those unjust villains. What film or book comes to your mind when you think of revenge on an evil person or group getting justice?
Recap of Sunday's message - please share in your group
On Sunday we continued with our series on discipleship from The Sermon on the Mount. This week we are looking at Jesus’ teaching regarding retaliation.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:38-42)
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