Jesus desires his followers to live at peace with those around them. We find it more natural, however, to desire that those who cause us suffering should suffer in return. Instead, He calls us to follow the model he lived out; He is the Suffering Servant. When we remember that Jesus bore suffering on our behalf and did not hold it against us and demand repayment, then we are motivated to live with the generosity, humility, and self-forgetfulness that He desires of us.
Matthew 5:38-42
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ The repetition ”You have heard that it was said” reminds us of what?
+ Jesus quotes from several passages of the Old Testament law in verse 38 (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21). What kind of justice was the norm?
+ How should the person who is of God’s kingdom should respond? (v. 39)
+ What examples of evil does Jesus ask his followers to endure in his 3 “if” statements? (v. 39-41)
+ What principles does Jesus establish regarding the way we treat our neighbors? (v. 42)
+ What does this passage teach us about Jesus?, Power?, His Spirit?, or our calling as believers?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Am I dealing with the people in my life in a retributive way, demanding they suffer in return for the suffering they cause me?
+ Do I live generously when confronted with need?
_ 1 Peter 3:8-18 highlights the importance of repaying evil with good.
“8Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing….13Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?