OUR FATHER WHO SENT HIS SON TO DO AND TO TEACH Part 6

Mathew chapter 5 verses 38 - 42 continues with the Lord Jesus discussing the standard that was set for retribution for injuries done to His people;

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 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. 

40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.u

The Lord, in this passage, references the book of Leviticus chapter 24 verses 19 - 20 which stipulates that for any violence that is done to another person that results in bodily harm, the same bodily harm would be done to them.

19 If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, 20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him.

However, those who would be part of the kingdom of God are held to a higher spiritual standard. The understanding being revealed in this passage is that the material or corporeal realm is temporal and the things of this world are not worth trading for anything in the spirit.

Whereas people living temporal lives may seek retribution for injuries done to their mortal bodies, Jesus counsels His people living in the spirit to forfeight any claims that they may have a right to under the law.

The realm of the spirit is eternal and its rewards are vast and as such, it is counter-productive to entangle ourselves in litigating matters pertaining to the temporal realm.

If there are situations in the physical realm that are injurious to us, even though we could potentially press for our rights, we should instead take steps to short-cirquit our involvement by absorbing any loss or enduring any humiliation or pain because the spiritual advantage gained by doing so will by great measure, outstrip any temporal satisfaction.

Amen.

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