Matthew 5:38-42

Again Jesus reaches outside the Ten Commandments, and again He makes reference to something with which everyone who hears His words can identify.  Lex talionis is the law of retaliation.  In different forms it dates back to earliest times in human history.  It is referred to three times in the Old Testament (Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:30; Deut. 19:21).  The original intention was to restrict unlimited revenge.  It was not intended as an excuse for individual retaliation but generally belonged in the law court.  Nevertheless an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth was taken literally (Ex. 21:22-25; Lev. 24:19-22; Deut. 19:15-21).

In our own day retaliation or revenge is often not only a right but a heroic and admirable trait.  It is a common movie line where the hero chases and finally kills the villain who has done some unjust thing.  Everyone has a feeling of justice and satisfaction as the revenge is taken. 

Jesus words are sometimes misunderstood, and it is assumed that He calls for a lifestyle that is impossible.  Let us consider each verse.

·        v39: The slapping signifies disrespectful or insulting treatment, much as a backhanded slap might indicate today.  Jesus does not, we believe, deny the validity of the justice system.  Nor is He requiring, for example, a woman to passively submit to physical abuse from her husband.  Rather this is a principle further explained in 1 Peter 2:20-23 and 4:14-16 involving unjust treatment for righteousness sake.

·        v40-42: Likewise He is not requiring a person to leave the courtroom naked (the tunic is the undergarment, the cloak the more expensive outer garment).  Rather He calls for non-retaliation, leaving personal revenge in God’s hands (Rom. 12:17-21).  Giving more than is demanded, going the second mile, and generously giving to all who ask are means by which one overcomes evil.  They are also life-choices that are good to the one who follows Jesus in this way.  Revenge might gain an immediate victory but long term leads to poor relationships.  What Jesus calls for is, in fact, good for all involved.

However, let us be clear.  The issue with revenge is not seeing that it is good for us.  The authority is found in the words: But I tell you (v39).  This is what Jesus says.  He strikes at our tendency to get even and then to feel good about it.  What Jesus calls for He lived.  It is no more clearly seen than in His forgiving attitude towards the very ones who crucified Him (Lk. 23:34).

Will you acknowledge that in your life you have disagreed with Jesus in that matter?  Have you reacted vengefully when people disrespect you?  Have you become angry with those who have taken advantage of you?