Day 22 - JUSTICE REFRAMED - An Eye for an Eye 

Matthew 5:38-42

PAUSE –
Take a deep breath, offer this time and your focus to the Lord with the Psalmist

      Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 

      Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.  

     When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long... 

     Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. 

     I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”                              Psalm 32:1-3,5

REJOICE in his goodness with Psalm 32:11

      And you forgave the guilt of my sin…

      Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you are righteous; sing all you who are upright in heart!

One Sunday I made a comment about our litigious culture and eager attorneys that seek big payoffs for human mistakes. A judge in our congregation reminded me that our legal system was founded on O.T. law which addressed a chaotic and violent culture of vigilantism. Moses introduced Just Law in place of a culture of unbridled retaliation.  But Jesus raised the bar on the Law, adding a perspective of mercy and grace that was almost unthinkable.  He took the Mosaic law to unimaginable new heights. He wrapped justice with mercy. He taught grace not revenge. He spoke of generosity when human nature cries for retaliation.  

Read and Reflect –
on Grace-filled teachings and a strange standard of justice in Matthew 5:38-42

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 someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 

Our first temptation when reading a passage like this is to lean into the “what Jesus really meant” conversation. Surely this was hyperbole – making an extreme statement to make a point, right?         Rather than quickly explaining this away let’s explore what Jesus was trying to teach us in this radical re-imagining of the Old Testament law. 

Scholars believe Jesus was introducing a radical step from retaliation justice to reconciliation mercy.  It seems that grace is not just an act of giving blessings to others but also involves a willingness to give up certain rights and comforts, and even possessions. The implication is that sometimes generosity means as much about what we are willing to take on ourselves (discomfort, inconvenience, even suffering) than it is about what we are willing to give away. 

Isn’t that exactly what Jesus did on the cross? He gave up everything. He took on himself our sin, our shame, our penalty, and in exchange generously gave us his righteousness, life, and kingdom inheritance.

The Old Testament law introduced “just retribution” into a culture of vigilante vendettas where people could take a life for a minor offense.  But just retribution (an eye for an eye) was never enough to reflect the character of a compassionate God. So, Jesus introduced compassionate justice wrapped in grace. What might happen if we took a stand against the culture as Jesus taught and modeled?

Reread and Reflect on the passage. It is short so you can read it through slowly 2 or 3 times. 

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 someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 

Which of the examples Jesus uses is most difficult for you? Who would it be most difficult to treat with this kind of mercy? What is His message to you and me today? 

Remember - we love, because He first loved us.

ASK –
Who in your life has been gracious to you over the years?  Was there a time when someone was willing to overlook your snarkiness, live with your less-than-perfect personality, or ignore your least pleasant moments? Who listened well? Who loved unconditionally? Lord, would you soften my heart to extend that same grace to others? Help me to extend grace when I want to demand justice. 

YIELD –
As the Spirit brings them to mind, release any unforgiveness, or bitter attitudes toward someone who has mistreated you, offended you, or caused you pain. Realize that in many cases we will need the Spirit’s help, and in some situations, we may need godly counsel and prayer to receive this freedom.  If necessary, share your need for healing with a trusted friend. 

WWJDIHWM - What Would Jesus Do If He Was Me? 

We are anointed to preach and proclaim:

• Freedom – of those held captive, imprisoned

• Recovery – of sight for the blind (restoration of what once was)

• Release – of those held in bondage, trapped, with no rights or resources

• Favor – Jubilee, the year/season of forgiveness of debts and new beginnings