You have Heard ... But I say to You ... Eye for 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.
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.
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.
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.
- “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”
- “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)
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).
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)
- “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)
- “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).
- “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)
- “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)
- “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).
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)