Matthew 5:33-42, Oaths and Retaliation

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

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.

Comments

Jesus wants his disciples’ word to be trustworthy. An oath is needed only if a person’s word alone is unreliable. By Jesus’ day physical punishment had been replaced with financial damages for sins against a neighbor. Jesus wants his followers to have a willingness to forego their personal rights and allow themselves to be insulted and imposed upon, as he would be in his passion. The turning of one’s cheek means allowing insult rather than physical violence. Lastly, Jesus calls his disciples to place the needs of others above a disciple’s convenience.

Application/Reflection

Last year, someone’s son dinged my car in a restaurant parking lot when he opened the passenger door. The father left a note on my car with his cell phone, offering to pay for the damages. I was so impressed by his honesty and offer that I decided not to take him up on it but just thank him for his message! I am not saying that others should follow suit, but I am not used to such good behavior. Do you have a story in your life when you chose not to exercise your rights but bore the cost for the sake of someone else?

Prayer

Lord, teach us move away from retaliation as we remember what you did for us on the cross. Help us to pick up our crosses daily, dying to ourselves and living for you.