Sermon on the Mount Part 5 – Turning the Other Cheek

Sermon on the Mount

Part 5 – Turning the Other Cheek

Matthew 5:38-42

20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20

When someone hurts you, what is your first instinct?

When someone wrongs you, forget about .

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. Matthew 5:38-42

22 “If people are fighting… 23 …if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. Exodus 21:22-25

17 “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death. Exodus 21:17

The principle of exact retribution had a double effect of defining justice and restraining .

The religious leaders of Jesus’ time were trying to use the principle of exact retribution to justify .

18 “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18

Jesus makes clear, our personal relationships are to be based on love, not .

39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. Matthew 5:39

When someone wrongs us, we should never respond by .

Life is not about , it is far more about giving and showing .

The Results of Resisting Retaliation and Revenge.

• personal rights over personal rights points people to the Cross.

39 …If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Matthew 5:39b

6 I offered my back to those who beat me,

    my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;

I did not hide my face

    from mocking and spitting. Isaiah 50:6

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25

• more than what someone asks of me reveals what to me.

40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Matthew 5:40

• Going the second mile reveals I have the heart of a .

41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Matthew 5:41

• Giving to a person in need proves that I am not consumed with .

42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:42

Jesus freely gave , yet he owed absolutely .

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,

    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23