Pastor David Morrison
Matthew 5:38-48 (NLT)
This passage can be broken down into two parts:
- Revenge
- Love for Enemies
What does it mean to turn the other cheek? What does Jesus mean when He says this? What does going the extra mile mean? How do I pray for my enemies? How can I be perfect? What is Jesus up to here?
Leviticus 24:17-22 (NLT)
- This law intended to keep revenge from spiraling out of control.
- Things escalate quickly.
Matthew 5:38-39 (NLT)
- He is speaking to people who have been oppressed.
- Jesus' words here in their minds discounted Him from being Messiah. Certainly, if He was the Messiah, He would lead us in revolt against our oppressors. Jesus points to nonviolent resistance instead.
Matthew 5:39-41 (NLT)
- Some have used this as an excuse to allow for abuse. This is not what Jesus is advocating here.
- Turn the other cheek is a call to remind the world that, you may insult me but that doesn't change who I am! You aren't better than me!
Now look at carrying stuff an extra mile.
- It is a call to not recover your dignity through revenge or violent or hateful means, but by having compassion and knowing who you are!
Matthew 5:43-48 (NLT)
- It's one thing to turn the other cheek and to go the extra mile. This is where the rubber meets the road.
- I want you to love your enemies. I want you to pray for them!
Let's talk about perfect for a moment.
- Perfection is a call to be whole, complete, or better translated fulfilling its purpose.
- It's a call to walk in purpose, to realize who you are created to be!
Jesus knew the cross that would stand before Him, where His closest friends would betray Him, He would be struck in the face repeatedly, and He would be led to a cross, and from that position, exposed and suffering, He would pray for God to forgive His murderers.
Jesus isn’t asking you to do anything He hasn’t done. Jesus is inviting you into a whole life, a life of purpose. He is inviting you to become like Him!
