Matthew 5:38-41: Christ and Retaliation

(Dustin Cook) 
 Introduction: Two guiding principles for the Sermon on the Mount:
 ? An assumption of a supernatural conversion
 o Matthew 7:17
 ? A demand of a lifestyle of righteousness
 o Matthew 5:20, 7:24
 1. The Law of Moses … v38
 ? 'eye for eye’
 o Exodus 21:23-24, Leviticus 24:20, Deuteronomy 19:18-21
 ? ‘Lex talionis’
 o A principle of equity in the judicial punishment of crimes
 ? Twofold purpose
 o A guide for justice
 o A restraint for revenge
 2. The Pharisees’ interpretation
 ? Extended the scope
 o From law court to personal relations
 ? An excuse for revenge
 o Leviticus 19:18, Proverbs 20:22, 24:29
 
 3. Jesus’ demand … v39-42
 ? The binding principle
 o Non-retaliation – “do not resist the one who is evil”
 ? The fourfold illustration of the principle
 o Various circumstances:
 1. When insulted … v39
 2. When sued … v40
 3. When forced … v41
 4. When solicited … 42
 
 ? What the command is NOT:
 o For governments
 o Illustrated exhaustively
 o Absolutes for ever