Gospel

An Eye For An Eye

by Roland Crim
01/16/18
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“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 NIV

What is Jesus’ message here? We are not allowed to defend ourselves when confronted? First, if we are being persecuted, and for the sake of righteousness, then our only defense should be speaking the truth. If we are being physically attacked, I believe we can take measures to extricate ourselves from the situation, not trying to bring injury to the one who attacks us. Why would Christ ask this of us? What are we defending, according to this passage? We are defending our flesh. Yet, flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom. The spirit inherits the kingdom: the spirit that belongs to Jesus Christ. The spirit would say yes to one who wishes to borrow. The spirit would be what would say yes to walking the additional mile. So, Christ is telling us that it is the spirit that is important, and not the flesh. Only the spirit can enter the kingdom.