Living the Higher Law
Sermon on the Mount- 14
TITLE: Living the Higher Law
TEXT: Matthew 5:38-48
TONE: Encouragement
TARGET: Believers
TASK: To encourage believers to live the higher law, which is love and beyond.
TEACH: A few years ago, a group of Swiss researchers scanned the brains of people who had been wronged during an economic exchange game. These people had trusted their partners to split a pot of money with them, only to find that the partners had chosen to keep the loot for themselves. The researchers then gave the people a chance to punish their greedy partners, and for a full minute, as the victims contemplated revenge, the activity in their brains was recorded. The decision caused a rush of neural activity in the caudate nucleus, an area of the brain known to process rewards (in previous work, the caudate has delighted in cocaine and nicotine use). The findings, published in a 2004 issue of Science, gave physiological confirmation to what the scorned have been saying for years: Revenge is sweet...The actual execution of revenge carries a bitter cost of time, emotional and physical energy, and even lives. That minute before revenge is savory, as the authors of the Science study recognized; but what about the days and weeks that follow? Behavioral scientists have observed that instead of quenching hostility, revenge can prolong the unpleasantness of the original offense and that merely bringing harm upon an offender is not enough to satisfy a person’s vengeful spirit. They have also found that instead of delivering justice, revenge often creates only a cycle of retaliation. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/the-complicated-psychology-of-revenge
TRUTH: The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes, highlighting the blessedness of those who embody values like humility, mercy, and peacemaking. It then affirms the law, but calls for a deeper, heartfelt righteousness that surpassed external adherence (5:17-20). Jesus, focusing on the true intent of the law addresses issues like anger, lust, and love for enemies, each time urging followers to look beyond mere actions to considerer their motivations (5:21-48).
The immediate context of this passage calls for a radical response to evil and aggression. Here, Jesus instructs his followers with teachings such as turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and giving to those who ask. These instructions exemplify non-retaliation and the willingness to transcend personal grievances. Jesus’ words challenge His disciples to embody an extraordinary love and generosity that mirrors the character of God, ultimately fulfilling the deeper intent of the law by fostering true reconciliation and peace.
However, by placing Matthew 5:39-42 in the larger context of the Sermon on the Mount, we see it as part of Jesus’ overarching call to live with a kingdom mindset -aligning one’s actions with God’s transforming love and redefining what it means to live righteously in relation to others.
Which means we must….
I. Renounce Retaliation
Explanation: Jesus exhorts His hearers to renounce retaliation. He does this by addressing the “eye for an eye” principle (v.38), which was meant to limit personal vengeance but often perpetuated it. Christians are called to break the cycle of retaliation and leave vengeance to God (Romans 12:19). In the OT we read, “then you shall do to him just as he had intended to do his brother. Thus, you shall purge the evil from among you. And the rest will hear and be afraid and will never again do such an evil thing among you. Thus, your eye shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This was a judicial law intended to be carried out by those with legal authority. The purpose was to maintain civil order, not for personal revenge.
The eye, of course, is a very important organ of sense perception, and its loss would be felt keenly. So when an eye is damaged or lost, a similar punishment is to be inflicted on whoever caused the loss. So with the tooth. In both cases the punishment is precisely equivalent. The precept is an ancient one and is expressed, for example, in the Code of Hammurabi (18th cent. B.C.). In its day this lex talionis (Lex talionis is a Latin phrase that means "law of retaliation" or "an eye for an eye". It's a legal principle that states that punishment should be in kind and equal to the offense, such as a tooth for a tooth. The term comes from the oldest collection of Roman law, the Twelve Tables, which was created in 450 BC). was, of course, a great advance. It meant evenhanded justice without respect of persons. No matter how great the offender, he could not escape just punishment, and no matter how small, no more could be exacted of him than his offense merited. It took punishment out of the realm of private vengeance, but Jewish practice tended to put it back. By contrast, Jesus teaches that his people should not be noted for insisting on their just deserts. They must be ready to forego private vengeance, as indeed the law provided if people would only heed it (Lev. 19:17–18; cf. Prov. 24:29).[1]
The OT insistence on punishment matching the crime might seem harsh at first glance, but as it mandates matching punishment, it thereby forbids excessive punishment. Granted, an eye must be taken for an eye, but two eyes or a life may not be taken for an eye. The OT concern for justice leads to this prohibition of overly severe retribution. Personal revenge is contrary to Lev 19:18, but Jesus goes further and teaches that godly kindness should transcend retaliation in personal disputes.[2]
Instead, Christians are to respond with restraint. We are to “turn the other cheek” (v.39). Of course, this calls for a measured response to insults, avoiding escalations in conflict. Our responses should reflect God’s grace, embodying patience and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
Our generosity should go beyond what is required. Going the extra mile (v.41) and giving more than is asked reflects radical generosity. Therefore, believers should exemplify willing generosity that reflects God’s abundant provision (2 Cor. 9:8). Jesus challenges societal norms and elevates the call to live with a kingdom mindset.
Again the emphatic formula is used to introduce striking new teaching. “Do not resist the evil person” does not mean that we should let evil triumph throughout our communities. Jesus is referring to private retaliation, not to public order, and he is instructing his followers not to be intent on getting their own back when someone wrongs them.[3]
Illustration: Joseph had every opportunity to exact revenge on his brothers. Instead, he revealed his identity and responded with incredible grace: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen.50:20). Joseph’s response exemplifies forgiveness and trust in God’s sovereign plan. By choosing mercy over revenge, he maintained a perspective that saw God’s purpose even in personal injustice. His actions beautifully foreshadow Jesus’ teachings in the NT, highlighting that ultimately, reconciliation and mercy align more closely with God’s character than retaliation.
42. Give is unqualified; Jesus looks for generosity without condition. Asks is a general term for making requests, and it, too, is unqualified. Jesus is saying that his people must be ready to give to anyone who asks, deserving or undeserving (as in Deut. 15:7–8; Ps. 112:9); they should not reject anyone who wants to borrow from them. The verb turn away is used in a variety of senses, but here it clearly points to a refusal that should have no place in the life of the Christian[4]
Application: Instead of retaliation, remember your identity.
…Don’t be encouraged when you do wrong
We must renounce retaliation because we have been……
II. Called to Compassion (5:43-48)
Explanation: Clearly, we see the call to love beyond limits. The traditional call to love neighbors and hate enemies is transformed by Jesus into a command to love enemies (v.43-44). Divine love knows no boundaries, overcoming enmity with intentional acts of goodwill (Rom. 5:8).
This section is of fundamental importance for an understanding of the Christian ideal of love. We all love our friends, but love of our enemies is quite another matter. But the followers of Jesus are not to take their standards from the communities in which they live. The God they serve is a loving God, and therefore they are to be loving people. Jesus points out that they must learn from God’s love. God’s good gifts, the sunshine and the rain, are given to all alike, the bad as well as the good. Those who serve God should show a similar generous attitude to enemies as well as to friends.[5]
The point of the first three situations is that the disciple is not to be a part of furthering the usual chain of evil action and reaction in this fallen world (Blomberg 1992:113).[6]
Praying for those who persecute us (v.44) transforms out hearts and aligns us with God’s mercy. Through prayer, Christians bridge the gap between human tension and divine reconciliation (1Tim. 2:1-2). We reflect the Father’s righteousness by loving impartially, as the Father blesses both the just and the unjust (v.45), believers reflect divine holiness. Our pursuit is to mirror the perfect righteousness of God, acknowledging our identity as His children.
“Persecutors are the most difficult enemies to love” (Nixon). But it is precisely in a situation of persecution that Jesus’ followers are to show their love by praying for those who are harming them.[7]
One may never need to physically turn the other cheek, give up one’s coat, or go an extra mile, but one must be willing to unselfishly suffer personal loss with faith that the heavenly Father will meet one’s needs and deal with the injustice in his own time[8]
Loving over enemies truly reflects the heart of God as demonstrated through the gospel. As citizens of the kingdom of God we are to live, look, and love differently from the world. We are called to a higher law, the law of love.
Illustration: The king of Aram was at war with Israel. Each time the Arameans planned to ambush Israel; the prophet Elisha would warn the king of Israel about their plans. This protective insight frustrated the king of Aram, who discovered that Elisha was revealing his secrets. In response the sent an army to capture Elisha at Dothan (2Kings 6:8-14).
When the Aramean army surrounded the city, Elisha’s servant was terrified. Elisha prayed for God to open the servants’ eyes, revealing the hills full of horses and chariots of fire -God’s army protecting them (2Kings 6:15-17). Elisha then prayed for God to strike the Aramean soldiers with blindness. He led them directly into Samaria, the capital of Israel, without them knowing where they were being taken (2Kings 6:18-20)
Once inside Samaria, the king of Israel asked Alisha if he should kill the captured soldiers. Elisha, however, instructed the king to provide food and drink for them instead. The king prepared a great feast for them, and after they ate and drank, they were sent back to their master. This act of compassion resulted in the Aramean raiders ceasing their attacks on Israel (2Kings 6:21-23). Elisha’s decision to spare and provide for the enemy soldiers showcases profound compassion, especially toward those who did not deserve it and sought his capture. By responding with mercy rather than violence, Elisha exemplified a commitment to peace and trust in God’s higher ways over conventional responses of retribution and transformation, challenging us to pursue compassion even for adversaries.
Application: Instead of revenge, practice prayer.
…Don’t be discouraged when you fail
We are to renounce retaliation because we have been called to compassion. Therefore, let us….
III. Move Toward Maturity (v.48)
Explanation: Jesus said, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (v.48) communicates the pursuit of spiritual maturity. Christian maturity is an ongoing journey toward the fullness of Christ’s love and character (1Cor. 1:28).
He is referring to his followers; they must be perfect. That their standard is to be the highest possible (“no limit to your goodness,” REB) is shown by the words that follow: even as your heavenly Father is perfect.[9]
This call to perfection invites us not to flawless but to wholehearted devotion and imitations of God’s perfect love. He are on a transformative path, empowered by grace, seeking to become more like Christ in every way (2Cor. 3:18).
Illustration: King Saul, the first king of Israel, became increasingly jealous of David because of David’s success and popularity among the people. Saul perceived David as a threat to his throne and sought to kill him. David was forced to flee and live as a fugitive, constantly pursued by Saul’s forces (1Sam. 18-23). While hiding in the wilderness of Engedi, David and his men took refuge in a cave. Coincidently, Saul entered the same cave to relieve himself, unaware that David and his men were inside. David’s men saw this as a God-given opportunity to kill Saul and end the threat to David’s life (1Sam. 24:1-4).
Despite the urging of David’s men, David chose not to harm Saul. Instead, he secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe to prove he had the opportunity to kill him but restrained himself. David was conscience-stricken even for this minor act, demonstrating his respect for Saul’s position as the Lord’s anointed king (1Sam. 24:5-7).
After Saul left the cave, David revealed himself and called out to Saul, showing him the piece of the robe. David used this as evidence of his loyalty and his decision not to harm Saul. He expressed his desires that God would not have him take matters into his own hands (1 Samuel 24:8-15). Saul was moved by David’s words and realized the maturity and righteousness of David’s actions. Saul recognized David’s future as king of Israel and was momentarily reconciled with David, acknowledging his own wrongs.
This narrative powerfully illustrates that true strength lies in mercy and restraint, and it challenges us to rise above vindictiveness to engage with our foes with dignity and reliance on a higher moral compass.
Application: Instead of immaturity, embrace maturity.
…Just be couraged
TAKE-AWAY: Our realignment involves renouncing retaliation, fostering compassion and always striving toward Christ-like maturity. When we embrace these transformative commands with courageous hearts, we echo God’s indescribable love in a world yearning for hope.
Remember “the actual execution of revenge carries a bitter cost of time, emotional and physical energy, and even lives.” More importantly, it undermines the gospel message and fails to reflect the love of God. We all must stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ one day and we would do well to keep this truth at the forefront of our minds as we interact with others, especially those who are hard to love.
[1] Leon Morris, The Gospel according to Matthew, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press, 1992), 126.
[2] David Turner and Darrell L. Bock, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 11: Matthew and Mark (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2005), 93.
[3] Ibid., 126–127.
[4] Ibid., 128.
[5] Ibid., 129.
[6] Turner and Bock, 93.
[7] Ibid., 131.
[8] David Turner and Darrell L. Bock, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Vol 11: Matthew and Mark (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2005), 93.
Comments
Post a Comment