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)
Jesus tells us, “And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” Does this mean that if someone asks for any of my possessions, I am to give it to them? My car? My house? My…? Is Jesus teaching some form or extreme socialism?
The aim of Jesus’ teaching is evangelism. The way that Christians live is to attract people to the gospel. He said earlier in the chapter,
‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:16).
In other words, the right application of this section should reveal the goodness of God and the superior outcomes for those who will listen to Jesus.
Give your coat also
When we are in a dispute with someone that may involve their taking legal action against us, we are to ‘stop, look and listen’: ‘Stop’ to think rather than just rushing to our defence; ‘Look’ at the consequences of our response; and ‘listen’ to Jesus and follow His example on how to respond. ‘Giving your coat also’ is about the application of the gospel in our disputes; it’s about giving goodness to people who deserve our vengeance.
This does not mean that we plead guilty to every accusation - that would not reveal the goodness and wisdom of God! Rather, we are to be prepared to suffer injustice and loss if that will lead to the best outcomes.
RESPONSE
Are we prepared to ‘give our coat also’ - give beyond what someone deserves if we know that it will lead to the best outcome? Take a moment to meditate and pray through the following text,
‘For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.’ (1 Peter 2:19-23)
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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