You have Heard... But I say to You... An Eye for an Eye

Introduction. Jesus’ words against any form of retaliation should strike a major chord of concern in everyone who reads them. Our own culture is deeply steeped in this error and it seems to grow with each passing year. From “road rage” and school/workplace shootings to entertainment based on vengeance, it is difficult for us to escape its influence. What “they” had been hearing were the laws God had given to civil government being falsely applied to justify individual vengeance.

• “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also”​

In this way, Jesus closed the door to all personal vengeance. Although we all have a sense of what is fair and just, and how we feel when others cross that line to treat us unjustly, any form of personal retaliation is now forbidden. Only God and civil government have been entrusted with this task. God has never allowed His people to harbor hatred, grudges or a desire for vengeance.

• “You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” (Lev. 19:17-18)

Since being treated fairly and with respect is considered a basic human right, we all want it. Obviously, what we all want so badly for ourselves ought to be something we would also want to give to everyone else. This is especially true, as the Scripture notes above, if we “love our neighbor as ourselves.” Yet as we age and grow in selfishness and pride, we can forget it. When the day comes when we don’t get the fairness we think we deserve, it now feels “right” to punish those who took it from us. Yet, if we do that we have lost sight that we are actually only taking from them what we so longed for ourselves. So, God reminds us: “Do not say, ‘I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.’” (Pr. 24:29).
 
Jesus was not speaking of our right to self-defense or of a government’s responsibility to punish evil doers. He wanted the barrier God had placed against personal retaliation, personal vengeance, or holding grudges firmly placed in the minds of His disciples. The “eye for an eye” and “tooth for a tooth” was a just and honorable system, but only for civil government and its courts (Deut. 19:15-21; Ex. 21:22-25). All of the passages that discuss vengeance are for God or government and never for individuals.

• “Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14 or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well.” (1Pet. 2:13-14; see also Rom. 13:1-7).

Even when civil government is not an option, we are told to leave it to God: “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Rom. 12:19; NASB).
The true purpose of Jesus’ words was to help His disciples be compassionate, kind and forbearing under all circumstances. If we can’t absorb the abuses and slights of the worldly, it will be impossible for us to grow in these areas. Thus, Jesus brought a wisdom from above that is far different in its scope. Instead of seeking ways to keep things even, our new wisdom is always seeking for peace, gentleness, and mercy.

• But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. (James 3:17)

Jesus was therefore combating the wisdom that was already in the world, but was false to the core. If His words seem absurd to us today and the world’s view of retaliation still seems wise to us, we know we are still under the influence of the wrong wisdom.

• “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:14-16)

Only when we ourselves are still foolish and deceived can we see the old ways as wise and Jesus way as foolish. 

• “For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.” (Titus 3:3).

True disciples cannot continue to hold on to an “eye for an eye” mentality. It is of this world. Devout Christians see this so clearly that they are always prepared to turn the other cheek and refuse to lash out in anger or malice. We will learn this, not only because Jesus asked for it, but also because we are “seeking the things that are above where Christ is.” (Col. 3:1-15).  We do it because we are from above and have put off the terrible philosophy that held us when we were foolish, deceived and disobedient. It is also a clear indication of spiritual maturity. Only those who are truly strong possess it.

• “Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying.”  (Rom. 15:1-2)

Our role in this life is to edify, build up and strengthen. If this requires us to “take wrong”, then we are prepared to do so. If this requires we take mistreatment and even buffeting, we will do so. When we have learned the wisdom from above, and we finally understand how Jesus could allow God to pass judgment on those who were wicked and not get involved Himself, it will become our wisdom too. Yet it will always be a great mystery to those who do not know the wisdom from above, because it is the ultimate act of trust in God and His righteousness. Jesus could do it because He knew that. If we still can’t, it is because we are not yet under that influence.

• “For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;  23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously”; (1Pet. 2:19-23)

As Peter concluded all these thoughts in the next chapter, he too spoke of being peaceable, gentle, reasonable and merciful. God has given us the duty to show His love to a lost and dying world. There is no room for a desire to repay evil for evil:

• “To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9 not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.” (1Pet. 3:8-9).

Jesus expected those who follow Him to replace their sensual and demonic wisdom for personal vengeance with tolerance and mercy. It is evil to feel a desire to hurt someone no matter what they have done to us. This is the real meaning behind “do not resist.” He was not forbidding us to call “911” if a burglar is breaking into our home or someone threatens to kill us. He was not forbidding us to defend ourselves or someone else if we are afraid. He was dealing with vengeance, and the desire to get even.
 
Conclusion. This is the high and noble spirit of those who have been forgiven and who go on to forgive others. Jesus captured the true forbearance of His disciples in His sermon on the mount.

• “And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two.  Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” (Mt. 5:41-42)

The key to this section is “always be prepared to take more,” and “always be prepared to give more.” If struck on the cheek, be ready for a second blow. If they take your cloak, be willing to give up your coat. If they force you to go one mile, be ready to go two. A genuine disciple of Jesus never stops wanting to give. No matter what the provocation, our wisdom is to never stop loving and never cease wanting to serve and help.